Qatar’s Third National Human Development Report

Expanding the Capacities of Qatari Youth

Mainstreaming Young People in Development

General Secretariat for Development Planning January 2012 First published January 2012 Copyright GSDP. All Rights Reserved.

General Secretariat for Development Planning Doha Towers PO Box 1855 Doha, Qatar http://www.gsdp.gov.qa

Cover design is by Tariq Spence, Student, Graphic Design Department, Virginia Commonwealth University-Qatar. It depicts a falcon which is of great importance to the Qatari culture. The training of a falcon is a skill that is passed from father to son. It takes incredible dedication to maintain a falcon’s loyalty once it has been given the chance to fly. The falcon is a long-living animal that breaks through the bonds of time and reminds us of traditions. As the youth of this country mature, they have a very strong sense of pride in where they come from, yet still work hard to modernise and assimilate with global influences. Islamic patterns are used to shape the form of the falcon. But unlike the precise symmetry of traditional Islamic symbols, this image breaks from the past as it embraces youthful asymmetrical shapes. The shapes explode from the national flag, another great source of pride for Qatari youth.

Publication design by grow Qatar

Printed by Gulf Publishing and Printing Company

The content of this publication may be freely reproduced for noncommercial purposes with attribution to the copyright holders. Foreword

In November 2008 His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Heir Apparent, launched Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030). QNV 2030 foresees Qatar continuing to transform into a diversified and advanced knowledge economy—capable of sustaining its own development and providing for a high standard of living for all its people for generations to come.

To help make its vision a reality, Qatar launched its first National Development Strategy in March 2011. The strategy is an ambitious plan of action containing priority national development programmes with related outcomes and targets.

Through QNV 2030 and National Development Strategy 2011–2016, Qatar aspires to build a safe, secure and stable society. Fulfilling that vision begins with strengthening families and ensuring that all citizens are protected in their homes, jobs and communities. Also, enhancing the physical, emotional and intellectual well-being of individuals, especially youth, will ensure long-term excellence.

As part of the General Secretariat for Development Planning’s efforts to support the achievement of QNV 2030 and the programmes of the National Development Strategy 2011–2016, Qatar’s third National Human Development Report turns the spotlight onto youth. With the theme of expanding the capacities of Qatari youth, the third National Human Development Report focuses on the development challenges and opportunities confronting Qatar’s youth.

About half Qatar’s population is under age 20. Investing in Qatar’s youth will provide young men and women with opportunities and choices throughout their lifetime. Beyond being beneficiaries of development, Qatar’s third National Human Development Report sees youth as a critical force in shaping national development and focuses on five critical areas in Qatari youth development.

The first is the challenge for youth in a changing demographic and socioeconomic setting. Qatar is undergoing remarkable demographic changes; among them are rising age at first marriage, reductions in childbearing and rising levels of divorce. Qatari youth are being positively and negatively affected by globalization, especially the revolution in information and communications technology. The ongoing and far-reaching changes present new challenges and exciting opportunities, especially in building capacities for the youth to participate in all spheres of society. Youth need to adapt to modernization as well as rapidly changing demographics. The trends call for intercultural understanding and tolerance, as well as intergenerational dialogue.

The second is building knowledge and expanding education opportunities. Qatar has made large investments in education and training infrastructure for young Qataris, and multiple opportunities now exist. But education performance is not progressing at a commensurate pace, despite a decade of reforms. Stronger incentives and opportunities to retain youth in education through the tertiary level are required.

The third is enhancing youth participation in the labour force. Qatar’s economic diversification aspirations necessitate building the country’s human capital to create a more productive and skilled labour force. Given that the number of new Qatari entrants to the labour force each year is lower than what the economy demands, it is imperative that incentive structures are strengthened to increase youth labour force participation at higher skill levels.

The fourth is improving health and well-being. Qatar has made substantial investments in its healthcare system towards achieving the QNV 2030 goals of world-class standards. As in most affluent societies, being overweight and obese is highly prevalent among young Qataris. The country also faces high mortality and disability rates because of road traffic accidents, especially among young men. The report suggests policies that promote self-care and preventative measures to reduce risk- taking behaviour and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle among youth.

The fifth is the empowerment and civic participation of youth. Today’s young men and women are tomorrow’s workers, parents, citizens and leaders. Youth need an enabling environment in which they can be encouraged to participate in their own and Qatar’s development. Young people are an asset to their communities, and pathways need to be established to ensure their inclusion and participation in all aspects of development.

Qatar’s third National Human Development Report was prepared in partnership with relevant ministries and government agencies, the private sector, civil society and the United Nations Development Programme’s United Arab Emirates office. It is based, among other things, on 15 background papers, the outcomes of a focus group workshop, an essay competition to obtain the voices of youth and inputs from a National Advisory Committee.

I would like to sincerely thank members of the National Advisory Committee (listed on page V) for their guidance in preparing this report. I would also like to thank the authors of the background papers and the youth who have provided important insights, as well as members of Qatar’s third National Human Development Report Project Team for their professionalism in putting this publication together. I am sure that the analysis and recommendations that this report contains will prove useful to all involved in youth development.

Saleh Al-Nabit Secretary General General Secretariat for Development Planning

January 2012

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Qatar Human Development Report Team

Members of the National Advisory Committee • HE Dr. Saleh Al Nabit, Secretary General, Chair*, General Secretariat for Development Planning • Dr. Richard Leete, Director, Department of Social Development, General Secretariat for Development Planning • Mr. Khalid Yousuf Al Mulla, Director, Youth Affairs Department, Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage • Mrs. Noora Al Merekhi, Head of Research and Studies Department, Supreme Council for Family Affairs • Ms. Aina Nasser Al Obaidan, Expert, Minister’s Office, Supreme Education Council • Ms. Salwa Al Obaidly, Director of Policy Planning and Social Programmes, Ministry of Social Affairs • Dr. Hamda Abdullah Al-Khubah, Medical Consultant, Office of the Assistant Director General, Supreme Council of Health • Ms. Rabaa Yousuf Al Hamed, Head, Personnel Affairs, Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology • Mr. Eid Ali Al Meriki, Assistant Director, Human Resources, Ministry of Labour • Mr. Mohamed Saud Al Boainain, Head, Population Statistics, Qatar Statistics Authority • Dr. Hassan Al Mohannadi, Vice President, Permanent Population Committee • Dr. Ali Al Bakri, Technical Specialist, Qatar Olympic Committee • Dr. Mohamed Shalabi, Head, Department of Social Studies and Research, Social Development Centre, Qatar Foundation • Mr. Abubakar Amer Al Saiari, Liason Coordinator, Human Resource, Qatar Petroleum • Dr. Ibrahim Al Kaabi, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Qatar University • Mr. Fahad Al Kuwari, Staff and Student Development Specialist, Hamad bin Khalifa University for Education City • Ms. Dalia Al Khalaf, Associate, Debt and Equity, Enterprise Qatar • Mr. Mohamad Abdulla Saleh, Community Development Manager, Reach Out to Asia • Ms. Ikram Hamdad, Project Manager, Silatech • Mr. Hassan Al Ibrahim, Consultant, Fikra Consulting and Research • Ms. Maha Fayyad Mohamed, National President, Aiesec in Qatar-Expension • Mr. Mohamad Al Sayed, Student, Texas A&M University Qatar • Mr. Hesham Mohamady, PSU Associate, UNDP United Arab Emirates

* HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani served as the chair until June 2011.

Project Team, General Secretariat for Development Planning Director and Editor • Dr. Richard Leete, Director, Department of Social Development Coordinator • Ms. Sharon Ng, Social Development Expert Researchers • Ms. Najla Al Khulaifi, Researcher • Ms. Aziza Al Khalaqi, Researcher • Ms. Badria Al Mohamed, Researcher • Ms. Nora Essa Abdullah, Researcher Research Assistant • Ms. Tara Makarem, Researcher

Background Papers • Mr. Saad Al Matawi, Opportunities Lead, Qatar Shell Key Issues, Challenges and Opportunities Confronting Qatari Youth Today and Youth Participation in the Development Process • Mr. Wajid Idris, Researcher, Qatar National Food Security Programme The Impact of Social and Economic Change on Youth Development • Mr. Hassan Al Ibrahim, Long-Term Marketing, Marketer, RasGas Educational Opportunities and Incentives Available to Qatari Youth and Qatari Strategies and Policies towards Youth Employment • Dr. Eiman Al Ansari, Head of Corporate Affairs, Vodafone Qatar Key Issues and Challenges Related to Qatari Youth Employment in the Labour Market • Dr. Hamad Al Ibrahim, Associate Policy Analyst, RAND Health Status of Youth in Qatar and Policies and Programmes to Promote Better Health and Well-Being of Qatari Youth • Mr. Bayram Aktepe, Qatar Olympic Committee Youth Development through Sports • Dr. Salah Al Mannai, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Qatar University Youth Development through Education • Mr. Sultan Al Kuwari, Director, Qatar Statistics Authority Vital Statistics and Qatari Youth • Dr. Ziad Said, Associate Professor, College of the North Atlantic—Qatar Youth Development through Math and Science Education • Mr. Kwok Kwan Kit, Consultant Quantitative Analyses of Socio-economic Variables on Youth in Qatar • Mr. Henry Lucas, Consultant Demographic Profile and Situation Analysis of Youth in Qatar • Ms. Sahir Hadi, Consultant A Gender Perspective on Youth Development • Dr. Warwick Robert Neville, Consultant on Human Development

Additional Contributors • Dr. Abdelali Haoudi, Vice President for Research, Research Division, Qatar Foundation • Captain Ibrahim Mohammed Al Samih, Secretary of the Permanent Committee on Drugs and Alcohol, Ministry of Interior • Mr. Hamad Al Kuwari, Deputy Managing Director, Qatar Science and Technology Park • Ms. Marlana Valdez, Program Director Qatar, Rule of Law Initiative • Dr. Dennis Hatcher, Director Sport Science, ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence • Ms. Shareefa Fadhel, Co-founder and Managing Director, Roudha Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation • Mr. Jamal Abdullah, Ms Mariam Sharbash, Mr Harith Adlouni, Al Jazeera Centre for Studies • Mr. Mohammed Abu Zeinab, Marketing and Communications, Aspire Zone Foundation • Ms. Ola Eid, Communication and Media Projects Manager, British Council Qatar • Mr. Rashid Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Director, Religious Institute • Mr. Ali Al Hababi, HR Development Advisor and Mr. Jamal Al Ammari, Head of Qatarization, Qatar Shell Service Company WLL • Ms. Shrine S. Solh, Senior Advisor, Public and Government Affairs, ExxonMobil Qatar INC

United Nations Development Programme Readers • Dr. Elissar Sarrouh, Resident Representative, UNDP UAE • Mr. Milorad Kovacevic, Statistics Adviser, Human Development Report Office • Ms. Paola Pagliani, Policy Specialist—HDR-net Facilitator, Human Development Report Office • Ms. Amie Gaye, Policy Specialist—Statistics, Human Development Report Office • Ms. Heba El Laithy, Professor of Statistics, Cairo University

Translation and Support • Ms. Noura Al Marri, Secretarial Coordination, General Secretariat for Development Planning • Dr. Bassem Serhan, Social Development Expert, General Secretariat for Development Planning • Mr. Ahmad Ahmadou Menne, General Secretariat for Development Planning • Mr. Hussein Kaseem, Translator, Consultant • Mr. Tee Heap Chuan, Data Validation, General Secretariat for Development Planning • Mr. Abdul Rahman Hassan Khalifa, Translator, General Secretariat for Development Planning • Mr. Christopher Trott, Copy Editor, Communications Development Inc., Consultant • Mr. Salim Bitar, Arabic Language Editor • Ms. Dana Abuisnaineh, Typist

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Contents

Foreword III Qatar Human Development Report Team V List of Boxes, Tables and Figures VIII Overview 1 Chapter 1 Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting 5 Economic growth and human development 7 Youth development—an issue worldwide 9 Growth and impact on youth 15 Households, family formation and dissolution 18 Relative poverty and Qatari youth 25 Conclusion 28 Chapter 2 Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth 29 Educational provision 31 Educational quality and student incentives 36 Educational participation and achievement 39 Economic return to education 50 Conclusion 52 Chapter 3 Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth 53 Qataris in the labour market 55 Mobilizing the Qatari youth labour force 69 Reforming Qatar’s labour market 73 Conclusion 80 Chapter 4 Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young Qataris 81 Getting a good start in life 83 High-risk behaviours 86 Life style risks 89 Youth health and well-being through sports 93 Conclusion 101 Chapter 5 Empowering Young People and Promoting their Civic Participation 103 Qatar’s investment in youth 106 Outstanding initiatives 108 Addressing Qatar’s challenges 110 What still needs to be done? 112 Conclusion 118 Chapter 6 Expanding the Capacities of Qatari Youth: Recommendations 119 Annex Qatar’s Human Development Indicators, 1990-2010 123 References 129 Boxes 1.1 Human Development Reports and the Human Development Index 7 1.2 Youth development: the nature of international engagement 10 1.3 Youth engagement in Arab countries 11 1.4 Youth unemployment: a priority in Arab countries 13 1.5 The challenge of change has benefits for Qatari youth 14 1.6 Voice of youth: managing the conflict between tradition and change 14 1.7 Ensuring women, especially the young, have significant roles in all spheres of life 20 1.8 Deriving a relative poverty line for Qatar 25 2.1 Voice of youth: igniting minds 30 2.2 Overcoming the gender gap: increasing the retention of boys 38 2.3 Declining student interest in science and mathematics 43 2.4 Voices of youth: improving primary and secondary education to meet higher education requirements 46 2.5 Return to schooling 51 3.1 Creating jobs for young people and matching their skills with needs of the labour market are regional issues 54 3.2 Exploring career options: a predisposition towards the public sector 58 3.3 Factors influencing labour force participation of Qatari youth: odds ratio analysis 61 3.4 Voice of youth: training and guidance for the world of work 64 3.5 Qatar Career Fair: guidance and opportunities for job seekers 68 3.6 Mentorship programmes can encourage greater participation of women in the labour force 68 3.7 Successfully creating access to quality jobs for youth in Qatar 69 3.8 Initiatives to empower and enable youth with disabilities 72 3.9 Prioritizing employment issues for national youth policies in Qatar 73 3.10 ictQATAR: determining current and future information and communication technology trends 73 3.11 Qatar's energy sector helping to build youth capacities 76 3.12 Concerns of Qatari youth interested in entrepreneurship 77 3.13 Social innovation can remove barriers that prevent young women from becoming entrepreneurs 78 4.1 Voice of youth: breaking the silence on reproductive health 85 4.2 Health issues are complex and need proper attention 91 4.3 Smoking is a significant issue among youth 92 4.4 Regulations governing tobacco 93 4.5 ASPIRE Academy’s outreach programmes 95 4.6 Factors inhibiting Qatari women’s participation in physical activity 97 4.7 ASPIRE sports science research to improve youth sports development and well-being 100 5.1 Integrating youth in the development process: the United Nations Programme of Action for Youth 105 5.2 Isolating young people discourages their participation 105 5.3 Young people are an integral part of the development process 106 5.4 Background on Qatar’s focus on youth 107 5.5 Developing youth leadership and expanding social participation 107 5.6 Al Jazeera is expanding opportunities for youth to participate in political and social dialogue 110 5.7 Creating conditions for youth to overcome the burden of development 110 5.8 Role of government in supporting civil society and social institutions 111 5.9 How effective are youth policies in setting a strategic programme? 112

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report 5.10 Institutional setup for youth participation in civil life 112 5.11 Limited participatory involvement of Arab youth in legislatures 113 5.12 Opportunities for youth to play a greater role in national development 114 5.13 Global Changemakers Time Bank: enhancing awareness of the importance of volunteer work 116 5.14 Youth governance: the Malaysian experience 117

Tables 1.1 Qatar’s human development indicators compare favourably with Gulf Cooperation Council countries, 2010 9 1.2 Spectacular growth of Qatar’s population especially in most recent decades 15 1.3 Youth population in Qatar is growing rapidly, 1990-2010 16 1.4 Most Qatari households have children under age 15, and 57% have at least one youth, 2010 19 1.5 Qataris most likely to marry someone of same educational status, 2010 22 1.6 Declining mean number of children ever born to Qatari women under age 30, 2004 and 2010 23 1.7 Rise in Qatari women remaining childless at ages under 30 23 1.8 Low-income Qatari households 26 2.1 Low levels of illiteracy among Qatari youth (%) 41 2.2 Qatari secondary students’ test results in science and mathematics have improved slightly but remain below 45 international benchmarks 2.3 The share of Qatari tertiary students who go to private universities and technical colleges is increasing (%) 47 2.4 Among Qatari tertiary students, boys prefer technical colleges and girls universities, 2009/2010 (%) 47 2.5 Benchmark marginal rates of return for Qataris (%) 51 3.1 The share of young Qataris in public sector employment is higher for men than for women, 2010 (%) 57 3.2 Most Qatari youth are in skilled or highly skilled employment, 2010 (%) 59 3.3 Qatari female labour force participation rates rose markedly over 2001-2008 but appear to have stabilized 62 since then (%) 3.4 Labour force participation rates of young Qataris are below those of young people in benchmark countries 62 3.5 Gender gap in Qatari salaries, 2011 (QR thousands) 63 3.6 Likelihood of longer unemployment duration among Qatari youth high for women, 2008 66 3.7 Youth seeking Ministry of Labour support in job placement is highest among secondary school graduates 67 3.8 The average annual growth in the non-Qatari component of the youth labour force over 2001-2010 was huge (%) 69 3.9 Enrolment in technical education and vocational training at the secondary level in Qatar is lower than in 71 most benchmark countries, 2009 (%) 3.10 Acquiring computer and English language skills frequently undertaken by unemployed Qataris with 71 secondary education, 2011 (%) 3.11 Almost all young Qataris use the computer and Internet, 2010 74 4.1 Qatar’s under-five mortality rate is below the Gulf Cooperation Council average, 2010 83 4.2 Overweight and obesity among adults are higher in Qatar than in benchmark countries, 2010 (%) 89 4.3 Obesity among Qatari students starts at an early age, 2009 (%) 91 4.4 Qatari women’s participation in sports and physical activity, 2009 (%) 96 4.5 Substantial increase in boys’ and girls’ participation in the Qatar Schools Olympic Programme 98 5.1 Growth in Internet use among Qatari youth has been spectacular 108 6.1 Mainstreaming youth in National Development Strategy 2011–2016 122

Contents Figures 1.1 Qatar’s progress in human development benchmarked against the world’s top five countries 8 1.2 Arab youth perceptions of the biggest challenges facing the region, 2010 12 1.3 Population growth was especially high between 2004 and 2009 15 1.4 Age pyramids for Qatari and non-Qatari populations, 2010 17 1.5 Qatari households remain relatively large 19 1.6 Rising age of Qataris at first marriage, 1990-2010 21 1.7 Rising proportion of Qatari females remaining single, 1997 and 2010 21 1.8 Steadily declining trends in fertility of Qatari women, 1990-2010 22 1.9 Increasing number of Qatari divorces filed from 1995 to 2010 24 1.10 About 13% of Qatari youth live in low-income households, 2006/2007 26 1.11 Youth in low income households have lower educational attainment, 2006/2007 27 2.1 Marked rise in government spending on education 32 2.2 Education City universities catering to knowledge-based economy and innovation 35 2.3 Qatar’s Science and Technology Park expanding cutting-edge research opportunities for youth 36 2.4 Today’s Qatari youth are better educated than older generations 39 2.5 Educational attainment of Qatari youth has improved markedly over time 40 2.6 Educational attainment of young Qatari women far exceeds that of men, 2010 41 2.7 Qatari enrolments in primary, preparatory and secondary in line with or above GCC benchmarks in 2009/2010 42 2.8 Student achievement on the 2010/2011 Qatar Comprehensive Education Assessment test 44 2.9 Female students scored much higher than male students on the 2008/2009 Qatar Senior School Certificate 44 2.10 Tertiary enrolment is especially low among Qatari men 48 2.11 Increasing numbers of Qataris age 15–24 are obtaining scholarships for local and overseas tertiary studies 48 2.12 Declining proportions of Qatari students are accepted to Qatar University 49 2.13 About 39% of Qatar University graduates with non-knowledge-based economy specializations, 2009/2010 50 3.1 Qatar outperforms Gulf Cooperation Council countries in all three Sitatech domains, 2010 55 3.2 GDP and population grew rapidly between 2000 and 2010 56 3.3 Qataris comprise just 6% of the total labour force 56 3.4 Rising labour force participation rate among Qatari women ages 20–24 60 3.5 Unemployment rates are low overall but relatively higher among young Qatari women 63 3.6 Of the 1,137 Qatari youth unemployed in 2011, just over half have only secondary education 64 3.7 Reasons why Qataris are reluctant to work in the private sector differ between men and women, 2011 65 3.8 Methods of finding work among young unemployed Qataris, 2011 66 3.9 The share of Qataris in the labour force varies markedly with age 70 3.10 Reasons why people with disabilities are not economically active, 2007 72 4.1 Neonatal deaths remain a major component of under-five deaths 84 4.2 Criminal and delinquent behaviour, 2009-2010 86 4.3 Traffic accidents are a major cause of accidental deaths, 2009 87 4.4 Road traffic accident death rates have fallen from their peak but remain high among youth 87 4.5 Disabilities are high among young Qataris, 2010 88 4.6 A large proportion of Qatari children is overweight, 2006 90 4.7 Increasing number of athletes in Qatar 96 5.1 Declining share of Qatari youth voters at municipal elections 115 5.2 Qatari youth participation in volentary work increasing 115

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Overview

Qatar has successfully steered its economy to its current and engaging youth. These ongoing, far-reaching changes position of high income and stability in less than a present new challenges and exciting opportunities for all generation. Wise investments of returns from the country’s societies, especially in building capacities for youth abundant hydrocarbon resources have yielded modern to participate in all spheres of society. infrastructure, world-class education and health systems and comprehensive social protection. While hydrocarbons will As an energy-rich country, with rising revenues from gas and remain important to the economy for the foreseeable future, oil exports, Qatar invested heavily in infrastructure projects Qatar National Vision 2030 aspires to a diversified knowledge in the first decade of the 21st century. Multiple megaprojects economy, with expanded opportunities and human resulted in large inflows of non-Qatari workers—more than capabilities and an emphasis on sustainability. 1 million between 2004 and 2010, many of them young— boosting the population from 0.7 million to 1.7 million. One Diversification requires more emphasis on knowledge result is that Qatari youth have become a minority in the total and skills development, particularly in the sciences. The population, as well as in the education system and labour key challenges to managing the transition to a knowledge force. These changes affect their lives, as the youth become economy are population and employment dynamics and the aware of the difference between traditional Qatari values small pool of Qataris, which determine how the economy and the contrasting cultures of non-Qataris and the global can diversify. Qatar’s first National Development Strategy community. for 2011–2016, with its prioritized public sector investment programmes and related outcomes and targets, is designed to Qatari youth make up 15% of the Qatari population, who help the country achieve its chosen development path. generally grow up in large families with extended kinship ties that are highly influenced by tribal authority and traditional Youth are a major human resource for development and culture. But family life is also undergoing substantial change, effective agents of positive social change. Harnessing particularly as women are increasingly encouraged to take their ideals, enthusiasm and creativity, with supporting part in economic, political and social activities. A growing technological innovation, will greatly contribute to meeting number of better-educated Qatari women are not marrying the country’s development goals. Expanding choices and and are remaining childless, leading to falling fertility opportunities and building the human capital required for rates. The divorce rate among young Qatari couples is also advancing the country towards a diversified knowledge- increasing. These changes affect youth and families, who based society will require greater focus, coordination and are the foundation of Qatari culture. Divorced women with investment of resources in Qatar’s youth. children are at a high risk of falling into relative poverty, especially since their remarriage rates are much lower The challenges of rapid demographic than those for divorced men. Youth in households where a and socioeconomic change divorce has occurred face many challenges, including lower educational attainment and lower skilled employment. Youth everywhere are being positively and negatively affected by an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. Given Qatar’s rapid economic growth and increasing presence One important drvier has been the revolution in information on the world stage, it is essential that young Qataris are and communication technology (ICT) which has shrunk the motivated to play key roles in all areas of economic and world in time and space and created a global cyber-culture social development. They will need guidance in identifying that is testing traditional ideas and national values. By opportunities for engagement and ongoing support as allowing access to information and ideas, ICT is empowering they gain the experience, which comes only with active participation in the economy and in society. Young women Alternative education pathways, as well as lifelong learning will need encouragement and understanding as they opportunities, are required to enable youth who drop out attempt to reconcile domestic responsibilities with increased of school to resume study at an appropriate level and in participation in economic, political and social activities. relevant fields. This would benefit both the individuals themselves and the economy by decreasing waste of valuable Youth development through education human resources and increasing the number of Qataris in the labour force. Qatar’s education and training system aims to prepare young people for success in an increasingly complex world. The A diversified, knowledge-based system not only serves as a vehicle for social and economic labour force transformation, but also offers young Qataris opportunities to realize their intellectual potential, develop their abilities Young Qataris joining the labour market have previously and follow their aspirations and interests. The evolving undreamed of choices and opportunities but often lack the system must also motivate Qataris to use their knowledge and skills and qualifications to take advantage of them. skills to better society by encouraging analytical and critical thinking, creativity and innovation. Qatar’s economic diversification aspirations necessitate building the country’s human capital to create a more To achieve world-class standards, Qatar has made substantial productive, skilled and motivated labour force. As the investments to modernize its entire education system. economy has expanded at breathtaking speed and the Multiple opportunities now exist for young Qataris, and the demand for non-Qatari workers has grown correspondingly, quantity of education inputs is high. But Qatari students’ the number of Qataris in the labour force has declined education performance is not progressing at a commensurate significantly. There are fewer new Qatari entrants to the pace, despite a decade of reforms. Below the tertiary level, labour force each year than the economy demands. In Qatari education performance is linked to the quality of this environment employment quotas can create distorted education provision. incentives for employers to hire nationals.

Many boys drop out of school after completing their basic Second chance programmes offer Qatari youth who have education. Their failure to gain relevant post-secondary not completed secondary education the opportunity to qualifications is seriously inhibiting Qataris’ placement in salvage their life prospects, reduce waste of valuable human responsible employment positions and thus delaying effective resources and increase the number of Qataris in the labour labour force participation. This situation is exacerbated by force. In most cases the second chance will be in technical declining enrolments in subjects central to Qatar’s economic education and vocational training but should be facilitated development, including science, mathematics and technology. according to individual needs and abilities. Programmes must be in skills and training that are in demand, with accredited Among Qataris who pursue tertiary education, a significant qualifications of acceptable standard to employers, and be proportion fail to meet the requirements to enter the undertaken with a realistic career outcome in mind. Mindset university directly and have to undertake foundation courses. changes in favour of technical work are also required. Dropout rates from foundation courses are high, and even among those who gain access to degree courses, some fail to Public service employment is so entrenched in family complete them. Some university graduates are ill-prepared to traditions that most Qatari youth seldom give serious participate in the labour force because their qualifications are consideration to other options. Disparities between the public in low demand. Informed career advice is urgently required and private sectors in salaries and conditions of service need for school leavers entering tertiary education or the labour to be addressed. Entrepreneurship has the potential to offer force and for students choosing courses at the early stage of young men and women a viable alternative to employment secondary school. Young people and their families need to in the public sector. But it requires support for project be made aware of both the more rigorous standards being incubation and for a culture of innovation. adopted in public sector employment and the many career opportunities in the private sector.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report While labour force participation rates for young women have such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers in later increased considerably from a low base, these women have life. The use of tobacco products is another key driver of sought employment almost exclusively in the public sector; chronic noncommunicable diseases. One in five secondary that is, in government administration, health and education. students in Qatar reports using tobacco products. Changing attitudes to the role of women, who are increasingly better-educated than their male counterparts, are making Qatar’s high rate of mortality from road traffic accidents, private sector employment opportunities more feasible. frequently involving young men, has become a silent A supportive response is needed from private companies epidemic. Risk-taking and reckless driving have not been to show their awareness of the cultural sensitivities of deterred by past safety and awareness campaigns and laws. prospective female employees. The new comprehensive road safety strategy that is being prepared as part of the National Development Strategy Many young Qataris transitioning to the world of work lack 2011–2016 must focus on youth driving behaviour. awareness of the opportunities available to them, of how to search for jobs and of how to access career advice. Most lack Sports and physical activity are integral features of healthy labour force readiness and appropriate soft skills. Internships lifestyles. Health education linked to sports development for tertiary (including vocational) students could provide can change youth behaviour and encourage a healthy way of young Qataris with experience of working life in career- life. Particular focus should be given to encouraging young related activities. Students and their parents need to be made women, who are often constrained by social and cultural more aware of training and employment opportunities. influences, to participate in healthier and more active Intermediary services for job seekers, which are partially lifestyles. provided by the Ministry of Labour, Qatar Career Fairs and Qatar Petroleum, need to be expanded to include special The National Development Strategy 2011–2016, which needs groups, as articulated in the National Development incorporates the National Health Strategy, identifies that the Strategy 2011–2016. key healthcare needs are a strong preventive approach and a robust primary care system. It emphasizes how cross-sectoral Health and well-being of young people links, especially between education and sports, are crucial for achieving a healthy population. Establishing healthy Substantial investments in healthcare, including successful behaviours during childhood and youth is easier and more vaccination campaigns, have resulted in a marked decline effective than trying to change unhealthy behaviours during in Qatar’s childhood mortality rates and low levels of most adulthood and will contribute to higher human development. communicable diseases. Qatar’s youth now have a good start in life, as a healthy birth, infancy and childhood provide the Active participation and agents of foundation for physical and mental well-being in maturity. social change Interventions targeted at the young, before they acquire unhealthy habits and lifestyles, will greatly improve their The transition between childhood and adulthood is a chances of wellness later in life. period when young people are seeking to establish their own independent and stable identities. Qatar’s exceedingly Unhealthy lifestyles and risky behaviours are the key rapid economic and social change, and its strong cultural determinants of ill health. As in most affluent societies, and traditional values, pose particular challenges for young being overweight and obese, caused by excessive eating and people. The challenges have been intensified by globalization, insufficient physical activity, is highly prevalent among young where information and ideas travel almost instantaneously Qataris. Studies of secondary school Qatari students indicates but where macro policy and legal changes take much longer. alarming levels of overweight and obesity of up to 70% and Among Qatari youth there has been spectacular growth 45% respectively, particularly among children in secondary in Internet use such that by 2010, 9 out of 10 youth were school. Unhealthy eating and poor exercise habits ingrained regularly connecting. This has introduced a new early in life can lead to chronic noncommunicable diseases and potentially important driver of social change.

Overview Youth need an enabling environment in which they are • Develop an integrated and comprehensive policy encouraged to participate in their own and their country’s framework that ensures youth have pathways to development. Given the opportunity, youth can be active meaningful participatory roles in all facets of society. contributors in decision-making for the common good. Young • Broaden the incentives and opportunities for youth to people are an asset to their communities, and pathways need sustain educational experience in advanced areas of to be established to ensure young people’s inclusion and knowledge, skills and communication that will meet participation in all aspects of development. the demands of the labour market and add value at the personal, community and national levels. Developing positive attitudes, participatory skills and • Strengthen measures to increase youth participation in leadership should commence in school, where educational an increasingly diversified labour market, including the experiences can integrate soft skills, concepts of community reintegration of youth that are not participating to their service, classroom knowledge and critical reflection to full potential. promote understanding. Opportunities for broader youth • Review and reinforce policies that contribute to health participation need to be created not only in the public sector, and well-being by promoting self-care and preventative but also through private sector partnerships that encourage measures to reduce risk-taking behaviour and damaging market orientation, build leadership capacity and promote lifestyles among youth. youth enterprise and entrepreneurship. • Ensure that all national legislation and regulation create an enabling environment for effective participation by Qatar needs a dedicated ministry or agency to cover and youth in development processes. mainstream youth affairs. This agency could coordinate a National Youth Development Policy, consistent with the In support of these recommendations, a single umbrella United Nations World Programme of Action for Youth and agency for youth affairs is proposed. Such an agency could aligned to Qatar’s National Development Strategy 2011–2016, coordinate the preparation and implementation of a and be responsible for implementing youth development National Youth Development Policy, including cross-sectoral programmes, including involving youth through all stages. youth development programmes. This would greatly help in expanding the capacities of Qatari youth and mainstreaming Recommendations: mainstreaming young people in development. youth in national development

Five broad recommendations emerge from the detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities confronting Qatari youth that are linked to related National Development Strategy 2011–2016 programmes and projects.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting

“Qatar National Vision 2030 aspires to build a safe, secure and stable society and firmly commits to creating a vibrant and prosperous future for the country. From a social development perspective, fulfilling that vision begins with strengthening families and ensuring that all citizens are protected in their homes, jobs and communities. The next step is to ensure long-term excellence beyond the essentials of family and finances by enhancing the physical, emotional and intellectual well-being of individuals, especially youth.”

National Development Strategy 2011–2016

Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), launched in November and coherent approach to achieving sustainable development. 2008 by His Highness the Heir Apparent, Sheikh Tamim, defines It represents a plan of action that builds the foundations of Qatar’s long-term development outcomes and provides a sustainable prosperity and supports the transition from a carbon- framework within which national development strategies and based economy to a diversified knowledge economy. implementation plans are prepared. Built on Qatar’s 2004 Permanent Constitution, QNV 2030 foresees the transformation The National Development Strategy 2011–2016 recognizes that of Qatar into a diversified and advanced knowledge economy, it is essential to build human capital and enhance the physical, capable of sustaining its own development and providing a high emotional and intellectual well-being of individuals, especially standard of living for all its people for generations to come. youth, who will be the initiative takers and the driving force in national development. As a vehicle for social and economic QNV 2030 identified five major challenges facing the country: transformation, the National Development Strategy 2011–2016 • Moulding modernization around the preservation places high priority on building the human capital of knowledge of Qatari culture and traditions. and skills for a diversified and competitive economy. Aligning • Balancing the needs of this generation with those these economic objectives with the social priority of preserving of future generations. national values and identity will ensure a substantial increase • Managing growth and avoiding uncontrolled expansion. and diversification of the current labour force participation of • Matching the size and quality of the non-Qatari labour young Qataris. force to the selected path of development. • Aligning economic growth with social development Aligned to QNV 2030 and the National Development Strategy and environmental management. 2011–2016, Qatar’s third Human Development Report focuses on the theme of expanding the capacities of Qatari youth. This In March 2011 Qatar launched its first National Development report identifies key human development opportunities and Strategy 2011–2016. The National Development Strategy 2011–2016 challenges facing Qatari youth. It focuses on youth in a setting identifies national priority transformational initiatives designed of rapid change, their education, employment, health and well- to overcome these challenges. The strategy provides a consistent being, as well as their empowerment and civic participation. While some sections of the report focus on the county’s total Between 2000 and 2010 Qatar’s real gross domestic product youth population, the primary focus is on Qatari youth. (GDP) grew at an annual average of 13%. Over this period Most non-Qatari youth are transient expatriate lower skilled Qatar’s economy has grown faster than any other, and its workers; however, policy recommendations have a positive per capita GDP in purchasing power parity terms is now bearing on both Qatari and non-Qatari youth. among the highest in the world. Much of this expansion has occurred since 2004–from 2004 to 2010 real GDP Economic growth and human growth averaged 16% a year. development The increasing financial returns from gas and oil exports have Qatar’s remarkable economic growth and transformation enabled Qatar to invest heavily in modern infrastructure, have brought impressive gains in human development. world-class education and health systems, and social Qatar’s exploitation of its hydrocarbon resources, protection. These investments continue to contribute especially natural gas, and numerous large-scale public and towards significant gains in human development. Human private investment projects, particularly in the construction development is a conceptual approach used to assess sector, have led to exceptionally high economic growth. progress in development that goes beyond income. Human

Box 1.1 Human Development Reports and the Human Development Index

Since 1990 the United Nations Development Programme • A decent standard of living, measured through the (UNDP) has produced an annual global Human Development gross national income (GNI) per capita (in PPP dollars) Report (HDR) with the goal of putting people-centred policies with logarithmic transformation (For GNI natural at the forefront of the development agenda. UNDP’s logarithmic transformation of GNI is used). global HDRs are complemented by regional HDRs, and many countries also produce periodic national reports. It is computed as: National HDRs aim to place priority human development X – X , min D is one of three indexed • D = it i it challenges at the forefront of the national policy agenda. it Xi, max – Xi, min dimensions of HDI in given year.

For Qatar, national HDRs can serve as a vehicle to help O ≤ Dit ≤ 1.0 i = HDI dimension. realize the goals of QNV 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2011–2016. Beyond raising public awareness and 3 triggering action on critical human development concerns, HDI = ( π D )1/3 X is the value achieved and t i=1 it it HDRs entail a participatory process that strengthen national Xi, min and Xi, max are the capacity for data analysis. They also strengthen national minimum and maximum ownership of the policy agenda. value selected.

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite As a supplement to the standard HDI, in 2010 UNDP’s measure used to rank countries by level of human global HDR introduced the Inequality-adjusted HDI, development. The HDI combines three dimensions which is a measure of the level of human development of human capacities: that takes into account some aspects of inequality as • A long and healthy life measured through life determined through its three dimensions (UNDP 2010). expectancy at birth. • Access to knowledge measured through mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling (prior to 2010 it was measured through adult literacy and gross enrolment in primary, secondary and tertiary school).

Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting development represents a process of increasing people’s Qatar has made remarkable progress between 2000 and 2010, capacities, choices and opportunities. It implicitly embodies as measured by the HDI. The country advanced to 38th a vision of the realization of human rights and human in the world in 2010, compared with 51st a decade earlier. freedoms. National progress in human development, as Qatar has progressed relative to the world’s top five countries. well as comparisons with other countries, can be measured In terms of the three component dimensions of the HDI, through the Human Development Index (HDI) (box 1.1). Qatar now ranks the second highest in the GNI per capita index, some 13% above the top five countries, and its

Figure 1.1 Qatar’s progress in human development benchmarked against the world’s top five countries

Qatar Top-five av erage (%) 1.0 88.5 88.1

0.907 0.914 0.916 age x 88.0 0.887 er 0.9 87.7 av 87.5

ent Inde 0.798 0.803

0.799 p- five 0.8 87.3 0.764 to 87.0 opm l

ve 86.5 0.7 atar to

n De 86.2 86.0 ma tio of Q

Hu 0.6 85.5 HDI: ra

2000 2005 2010 2000 2005 2010

Qatar Top-five av erage (%) 1.0 120 113

100 0.9 92.3

erage, 2010 87.7 x, 2010 av 80 0.8 64.6 ent Inde 60 pm

lo 0.7 r to top-five

ve 40 ta De Qa

n 0.6 20 o of ma ti Hu

Life Education GNI HDI Life Education GNI HDI Expectancy Index Index Index HDI: Ra Expectancy Index Index Index Index Index

Note: Top five HDI countries in 2010 are Norway, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Ireland. Source: Computed from UNDP (2010).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Qatar's Human Development Indicators compare favourably with Gulf Cooperation Council Table 1.1 countries, 2010

Human Rank Life Mean Expected Gross National Development expectancy at years of years of income/Capita Index value birth (years) schooling schooling (PPP 2008US)a Bahrain 0.801 39 76.0 9.4 14.3 26,664 Kuwait 0.771 47 77.9 6.1 12.5 55,719 Oman na na 76.1 11.1 na 25,653 Qatar 0.803 38 76.0 7.3 12.7 79,426 Saudi Arabia 0.750 55 73.3 7.8 13.4 13,971 United Arab Emirates 0.815 32 77.7 9.2 11.5 58,006 Qatar relative to other Gulf na na 100 86 99 107 Cooperations Council countries (index= 100)

Notes: na. signifies data is not readily available a. Log scale was used Source: UNDP (2010). achievements in health are exemplary. However, Qatar’s Youth development–an issue worldwide results in the education dimension lag markedly behind the world’s top five countries (figure 1.1). Youth and global change Youth is the period of life generally considered as the Qatar’s HDI is very slightly behind that of the United Arab transitional phase between childhood and adulthood. Emirates but ahead of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) The United Nations defines youth as those ages 15–24. While countries (table 1.1). Qatar ranks highest in the GNI per capita age is the defining feature of youth, young people should not index, but its education indicators are lagging, due largely be considered a single, homogeneous demographic category, to low enrolment in tertiary education (see chapter 2). Given but a multiplicity of diverse subgroups covering a wide spectrum Qatar’s ranking in GNI per capita and with the extensive of perceptions, attitudes and abilities. Hence in this report programmes and reforms that are underway in the health the UN definition of youth is applied flexibly (box 1.2). and education sectors,further advances in its HDI position can be expected in the coming years. Globally Qatar performs Youth today are increasingly well educated and vocal, less favourably on UNDP’s gender-related indexes especially proclaiming their aspirations and making their views known compared with other developed countries (UNDP 2010). across the globe. Globalization and technological advances have However, as the chapters in this report show, in all spheres in been changing economies and social behaviour everywhere. human development, there has been significant progress in The changes in the distribution of power and gains have raised recent years, in womens empowerment, especially in relation questions about legitimacy and sustainability. Inadequate to education, labour and health outcomes, as well as in attention to the human side of globalization has created a gap sports participation. With Qatari girls outperforming boys at in understanding its impact on life and work. Young people are all levels of education, as well as policy reforms proposed in facing new challenges in transitioning from school to work. the National Development Strategy 2011-2016, reductions in gender gaps will continue.

Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting Box 1.2 Youth development: the nature of international engagement

In 1995 the United Nations strengthened its commitment Within the United Nations, the Programme of Youth aims to young people ages 15–24, by directing and coordinating to build an awareness of the global situation of young people, the international community’s response to the challenges promote their rights and aspirations and boost young of youth in the 21st century. The United Nations adopted people’s participation in decision-making to achieve peace an international strategy, the World Programme of Action and development. It also provides advice and technical for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond, to address more cooperation for the implementation of the World Programme effectively the issues of young men and women and to of Action for Youth (see http://social.un.org/index/youth.aspx). increase opportunities for their participation in society. Building on the Wold Programme of Action for Youth, The programme provides a policy framework and the World Bank’s (2006) World Development Report 2007: practical guidelines for national action and international Development and the Next Generation recommended greater support. It aims to improve the situation of young investment in youth during the five transition stages that men and women and to empower them to participate the young undergo: learning, work, health, family and in building their societies. The programme builds on citizenship. The report identifies three policy directions for other international instruments and has 15 priority helping youth develop themselves and contribute to society: areas: globalization, poverty and hunger, education, • Expanding opportunities; broaden opportunities employment, environment, leisure-time activities, for young people to develop their human capital. full and effective participation of youth in the life of • Enhancing capabilities; developing the capabilities society and in decision-making, intergenerational issues, of young people as decision-making agents. information and communications technology, health, • Providing second chances; offering a second chance HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, juvenile justice, girls and to manage consequences of bad outcomes that occur young women, and armed conflict. early in life.

Understanding the importance of youth, the United The report recommended that the returns to investing in Nations and its Regional Commissions have attempted young people would be substantially enhanced by trade to set out a youth policy framework to support progress and labour market reforms that deploy human capital towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. more efficiently through more open competition. For example, the United Nations Economic and Social For countries to mobilize economic and political Commission for Western Asia and the League of Arab resources to stimulate reform, there needs to be a better States’ (2007) report, The Millennium Development Goals coordination of youth issues that cut across all sectors, in the Arab Region 2007: A Youth Lens, stressed the need and integration with national policy, a stronger voice for to focus on policies predicated on the premise that young youth and a more rigorous evaluation of youth-oriented men and women are not only beneficiaries, but also active programmes and policies. agents of economic, social and political transformation. Sources: Adapted from the UN ESCWA (2009a); WB (2006).

For some, increased access to ICT and the opening of national young women and men do not have work that taps their economies to international competition through trade and individual creativity or uses their productive potential. investment have generated income and improved welfare; The challenge is to ensure that globalization opens for others, globalization has been a source of persistent opportunities for work and increases opportunities inequality and social exclusion (Al Matawi 2011a). Many for young people’s active participation in society.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Youth and regional change While many of the issues being discussed by youth are common Youth constitute the largest age group in Arab countries, worldwide, priority concerns and the extent of engagement accounting for nearly 20% of the population. Rapid vary considerably from region to region. The Arab Youth Survey socioeconomic changes and the growth of the youth population conducted in December 2010 by ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller present both opportunities for and challenges to national canvassed the views of some 2,000 young people ages 18–24 development plans. At the same time, youth can be a potent in 10 countries in the region (the 6 Gulf Cooperation Council development force when given access to education skills, countries and 4 others). Arab youth were asked about the health services and opportunities to participate effectively in biggest challenges facing the region today. Overall young people development planning (box 1.3). saw the rising cost of living as the biggest challenge, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Unemployment,

Box 1.3 Youth engagement in Arab countries

Youth engagement can be defined as involving Youth affected by the consequences of a globalizing young people in creating their own destinies. From a world, but not allowed access to the benefits often merge regional perspective, the United Nations Development traditional values with new perceptions of freedom and Programme’s (2002) Arab Human Development Report democracy. Young women and men are a formidable 2002 focused on creating opportunities for future force for change. Growth in youth unemployment and generations and measureing the concerns of youth social exclusion within some segments of a population as a yardstick for the status of human development. can lead young people to aspire to challenge authority, Key development challenges identified for young Arabs sometimes by nonpeaceful methods (UN ESCWA 2009b). were job availability and education. Education is vital for empowering women, safeguarding children from In 2011 the aspiration for radical political change, hazardous labour and promoting human rights and democratic reforms, human rights and freedoms democracy. Conversely, the lack of productive work for led to uprisings in many Arab countries. The Arab Spring young people perpetuates poverty and can lead to crime, was led by young men and women, many of whom were substance abuse, conflict and political extremism. novices at political activism. They used modern tools such as social networking sites on the Internet and texting over More recently, Egypt National Human Development Report mobile phones to organize and amplify their protests. 2010: Youth in Egypt: Building Our Future (UNDP and And they had similar demands; the right to choose and Egypt Institue of National Planning 2010) highlighted change their leaders, an end to rampant corruption and that Egypt’s youth bulge is at its peak, but opportunities the opportunity for employment and improvement—in appear less promising than those of previous generations. brief, a longing for human development. The outcome of overly generous job creation in government in the 1970s and 1980s, little or no reform Sources: Adapted from UNDP (2002 and 2008); in the education and training system and the failure to UN ESCWA (2009b); Ghosh (2011). control rapid population growth have resulted in a serious drop in productivity and an accompanying decline in real wages and stagnation in living standards.

Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting human rights and the economy were other challenges (figure the most unease about the threat of the high cost of living. 1.2). Young people in non-Gulf Cooperation Council countries Among the 10 countries surveyed, Qatar’s youth scored the were more concerned with the gap between the rich and the highest (88%) in expressing that the country is “heading in the poor and with the lack of opportunities for women. Addressing right direction”. Providing youth with decent employment is a these challenges requires both a national and regional effort. priority for many countries in the region (box 1.4). Of the concerns listed in figure 1.2, Qatari youth expressed

Figure 1.2 Arab youth perceptions of the biggest challenges facing the region, 2010

48 Rising cost of living 54 39 34 Unemployment 36 32 26 Human rights 26 26 24 Total The economy 28 19 Gulf Cooperation 20 Council The gap between the rich and the poor 17 24 Non–Gulf 20 Cooperation Dangers of drugs 20 Council 20 17 Corruption in government and public life 19 13 17 The loss of tradition, values and culture 20 14 17 Opportunities for women 14 21 16 Personal debt 19 12 15 The quality of education in schools 15 15 13 Middle East conflicts 15 11 13 International conflicts 15 11 13 Crime/law and order 12 14 12 Shortage of affordable housing 11 12 12 Climate change and the environment 14 10 11 Reliable electricity supply 11 12

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 (%)

Source: ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey (2011).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Box 1.4 Youth unemployment: a priority in Arab countries

Throughout many Arab countries, rapid population apprenticeships and develop small and medium-size growth is fuelling enormous demographic pressures. businesses. They should identify key infrastructure Population densities are reaching a breaking point, projects needed to ensure private-sector productivity, infrastructure support is inadequate and world food and they must work together to deepen regional trade prices are skyrocketing. integration, thereby creating a much larger market.

Employment growth is not keeping up with the With oil prices back over $100 per barrel, population surge, at least not in decent jobs with decent the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are enjoying wages. The increasingly literate and digitally connected a bonanza. Sachs (2011) suggests that these countries generation of young people in the region are being forced create a special fund for youth employment in the region to compete globally for jobs in an interconnected world through the Islamic Development Bank. There can be labour market, against more productive manufacturing no better way to use the region’s resources than to ensure workers with high-quality infrastructure. The result is a that its young people’s lives are enriched by education, growing youth unemployment crisis, especially among skills and high-quality jobs. poor and working-class youth. In the Middle East and North Africa the youth unemployment rate was 30% or Qatar is already playing its part in the global partnership higher in 2010, and unemployed and underemployed for development, the eight United Nations Millennium young people’s frustration is spilling over into the streets. Development Goals, by supporting many initiatives to improve the lives and livelihoods of young people in less If democracy is to take hold and flourish in the Arab developed countries, as for example with the Silatech countries, the new reform-minded governments must Initiative (see chapter 3). make the youth unemployment crisis their highest priority. Arab countries should elaborate strategies Source: Sachs (2011). to improve the quality and increase the length of schooling, invest in job training, establish private sector

Qatar youth looking to expanded horizon and recognition in such diverse and challenging worlds With Qatar’s GDP predicted by government and as those of politics, business, development and sports. international agencies alike to grow almost 20% in 2011 and the National Development Strategy 2011–2016 moving As Qatar moves into this ever-expanding role in the world, there into the implementation phase, Qatar is in a strong position will be a challenge to the versatility and strength of Qatari to progress towards the goals of QNV 2030. Qatar is taking society and its ability to maintain its values and identity in a new its expanding prosperity into the future: a future that looks era of national development (box 1.6). This will affect the bright for the Qatari youth who will have important roles nature and outlook of individuals, families and communities in fulfilling national plans and ambitions (box 1.5). and to a substantial degree, the emerging generation. Youth, the prime movers and leaders of future development can There is already evidence of Qatar’s success in raising look to benefit from and contribute to Qatar’s success and its profile on the world stage and fulfilling leadership roles well-being. in the region and beyond. This is engendering respect

Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting Box 1.5 The challenge of change has benefits for Qatari youth

Qatar’s increasing openness to the global economy and youth. QNV 2030, which is driving change, empowers all global cultural influences is creating unique challenges citizens, and more directly women, by identifying goals to as Qataris struggle to balance tradition with the growing advance their position and status in society. The provision complexities of modernization. Thus, while Qatari youth are of high-quality training opportunities, building capacities positioned to benefit dramatically from the country’s rapid and empowering Qataris to participate fully in political economic growth and socioeconomic change, they are also and economic spheres, especially in decision-making squeezed by the changing dynamics of the economy. These roles, will correspond to their ambitions and abilities. pressures are not the same for all Qatari youth. The pathways QNV 2030 envisages all Qataris working together in to adulthood for men and women are quite different. pursuing these aspirations, with strong Islamic and family values guiding their collective energies. Change has The spectacular growth and increasing diversification benefits for youth who seize the opportunities. in Qatar’s economy has allowed ever-increasing education, training and employment opportunities, especially for Source: Adapted from Al Matawi (2011a).

Box 1.6 Voices of youth: managing the conflict between tradition and change

It is an interesting time to be a Qatari youth, observing and negatively, because it will mean that instead of having five being part of rapid change. Economic and social change is or six Qatari children like our parents, we will just have one inevitable, and in the last decade Qatar has witnessed dramatic or two. And our children will probably be raised by a nanny modernization. Wealth from the country’s hydrocarbon from a foreign country. resources has brought with it rapid development and business opportunities. The population size has quadrupled as demand As I prepare to join the labour force, I am concerned about for labour from all sectors has increased. competing with foreign employees. There is a stereotype that Qataris are not as hard working, not as productive as foreign I understand that development comes at a cost. But as a proud workers. But my experience interning in various companies Qatari youth I am upset that changes are affecting our customs, suggests otherwise. I still feel that many believe this stereotype traditions, values and even our mother tongue. My Qatari and that it is difficult for a young Qatari to find a good job. identity is being compromised as I feel that to be successful in today’s Qatar, I must give up a great part of that identity. I have a great love for my home country Qatar, and as a Qatari youth, I realize that we should embrace change. I am expected to excel in a foreign language, while my I have informed myself about Qatar National Vision 2030 mother tongue is neglected; I must agree to work side by (QNC 2030) and the National Development Strategy side with the opposite sex which goes against my cultural 2011–2016. Consequently, the fear that I had is now replaced beliefs; and I must sacrifice my home life and work from with comfort because I know that efforts are being made morning to afternoon: my family members simply become to preserve Qatari traditions. I believe that many young people I share a house with. One of the most noticeable people are ignorant about QNV 2030 and the National aspects of the change taking place is that Qatari women Development Strategy 2011–2016. It is vital to educate them have stepped out of their traditional role as housewives and and make them understand that measures are being taken mothers, to be more involved with national development. to protect traditional Qatari identity while embracing As an ambitious young Qatari woman, I too want to be part change positively. of this change, I want to compete with the best in my field and rise to the top. But I worry that if I and other women Source: Adapted from an essay by Mariam Al-Mohannadi (2011). of my generation do so, in the long run it will affect Qatar

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Growth and impact on youth

The unique character of Qatar’s population will strongly This exceptionally rapid rise, averaging 15% a year between influence the way that national development programmes 2004 and 2008 (figure 1.3), when growth was at its peak, and projects unfold. A large non-Qatari component is unprecedented historically and globally. Most of the dominates the labour force, with particular effects on growth is attributable to huge inflows of predominantly the Qatari youth as they enter and participate in the world unskilled and semi-skilled male labour from South Asia, of work. The evolving character of Qatar’s population with Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa, driven a focus on youth is outlined below. by Qatar’s phenomenal economic growth.Due to the high inflows of non-Qatari workers, the nationality composition Over 1990-2010, and especially since 2005, Qatar’s population in Qatar’s population changed substantially, with the share has grown at an unprecedented rate. From 421,000 in 1990, of Qataris falling from 28% in 1990 to 27% in 2000 and to it grew to 614,000 in 2000 and reached almost 1.7 million 14% by 2010. by 2010–a fourfold increase in 20 years (table 1.2).

Table 1.2 Spectacular growth of Qatar’s population especially in most recent decades

Population (thousands)

1990 2000 2005 2010 Total 421 614 906 1,699

Source: QSA (2010a and 2011a).

Figure 1.3 Population growth was especially high between 2004 and 2009

(%) 1,800 20 Population 1,600 Growth rate 15 1,400

1,200 10

1,000 th rate 5 800 Grow

Population (thounsands) (thounsands) Population 600 0

400 -5 200

0 1990 1995 2000 2005 2011

Source: Computed from QSA (2010a, 2011a and 2011b).

Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting Impact of inflows of non-Qataris a high-mortality and high-fertility population to one Demographic changes have had a significant impact on the size with low mortality and, with a longer time lag, low fertility. of Qatar’s youth population. Consistent with the growth in the Population growth accelerates during the period of mortality total population, Qatar’s population ages 15–24 grew from just decline because fertility remains high and thus the rate 57,000 in 1990 to more than 252,000 in 2010, with the majority of natural increase rises. Subsequently, as fertility declines, being young non-Qatari workers. Over these two decades the population growth also declines. proportion of Qataris in the 15–24 age range fell from over 43% in 1990 to 19% in 2010. The youth component in Qatar’s Qatar’s population is relatively young. The median age population grew from 13% in 1990 and 2000, peaking at 17% in in 2010 (the age at which 50% of the population is younger 2005 before falling back to 15% in 2010 (table 1.3). and 50% older) was 30 overall but just 19 for the Qatari population. In 2010 some 15% of men and 16% of women The age composition of a population depends on past trends were in the 15–24 age group (figure 1.4). In the Qatari in fertility, mortality and net international migration. population, 20% of men and 19% of women were in the In the Qatari population the migration effect is minimal 15–24 age group. The pattern for Qataris and non-Qataris because outflows of Qataris are small (mostly people going is significantly different because few non-Qatari workers are overseas to study or work and then returning to Qatar). under age 20. Among non-Qataris, 14% of men and women In a population growing rapidly because of a natural increase, were in the youth group (though that the absolute number the number of people in an age group will normally be larger of women is much smaller; see figure 1.4). than the number in the next older age group. Hence, the shape of the age distribution takes the form of a pyramid, In many countries where there are large inflows of transient as shown for the Qatari population in 2010 (figure 1.4). foreign workers, the majority are male and concentrated in the prime working age group of 20–39. This pattern The age pyramid for Qataris is typical of a population is evident for non-Qataris living in Qatar, with more than that has not yet undergone the substantial fertility decline 62% in the 20–39 age group, about 83% of them are male. that is associated with a demographic transition. Most non-Qataris are single or have a spouse who does The demographic transition describes the shift from not live in Qatar.

Table 1.3 The youth population in Qatar is growing rapidly, 1990-2010

Population ages 15–24 (thousands)

1990 2000 2005 2010

Qatari 24.4 31.0 37.6 47.7 Non-Qatari 32.1 55.1 117.2 204.8 Total 56.5 86.1 154.8 252.5 Share of youth in total population (%) 13.4 14.0 17.1 14.9

Source: Computed from QSA (2010a and 2011a).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Figure 1.4 Age pyramids for Qatari and non-Qatari population, 2010

Qataris Non-Qataris 80+ 80+ 75 - 79 75 - 79 Men 70 - 74 Women Men 70 - 74 Women 65 - 69 65 - 69 60 - 64 60 - 64 55 - 59 55 - 59 50 - 54 50 - 54 45 - 49 45 - 49 40 - 44 40 - 44 35 - 39 35 - 39 30 - 34 30 - 34 25 - 29 25 - 29 9.1% 20 - 24 8.9% 12.3% 20 - 24 9.3% 10.9% 15 - 19 10.3% 1.8% 15 - 19 4.8% 10 - 14 10 - 14 5 - 9 5 - 9 0 - 4 0 - 4 20 10 0 0 10 20 200 100 0 0 100 200 Population (thousands) Population (thousands) 19.6% of Qatari youth ages 15–24 14.1% of non-Qatari youth ages 15–24

Total 80+ 75 - 79 Qataris Men 70 - 74 Women Non-Qataris 65 - 69 60 - 64 55 - 59 50 - 54 45 - 49 40 - 44 35 - 39 30 - 34 25 - 29 12.0% 20 - 24 9.2% 2.6% 15 - 19 6.4% 10 - 14 5 - 9 0 - 4 250 200 150 100 50 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 Population (thousands) 14.9% of youth ages 15–24

Note: Percentages show the proportions of males or females in a specified age group. Source: Computed from QSA (2011a).

Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting Cultural impact of non-Qatari inflows on youth a key international hub for sport and MICE (Meetings, High non-Qatari inflows, resulting in increasing population Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) industry. These diversity, inevitably have both a positive and negative issues are addressed in Qatar’s National Development Strategy impact on Qatari culture and values. The former may 2011-2016. involve the spread of new ideas and new capacities. The latter relates to the adoption of behavioural patterns Households, family formation that are alien to the country’s traditional cultural values. and dissolution Most low-skilled workers have limited interactions with Sustained economic growth and social changes are impacting on Qataris. They are typically in Qatar without their families, and Qatari youth through changing patterns in marriage, childbearing are unlikely to participate in social activities with, or go to and divorce. Family life is undergoing substantial change. places frequented by Qataris. However, the impact of higher skilled expatriates is potentially greater because this group will Qatari family and household commonly frequent places that are regularly visited by Qataris, The family is the fundamental unit of society. It nurtures the young and because social interactions are much more likely. and provides guidance and opportunities in the transition from childhood to adulthood. In Qatar the family is firmly embedded Arabic expatriates, who are the closest to Qataris in culture, religion and patriotism. Qatar’s Permanent Constitution in cultural values, have more opportunities for educational, protects the family, supports its structure, strengthens its ties employment and social interactions. Because their language, and protects people during infancy, childhood and old age. culture, and religion are close, the cultural threat is probably These values are enshrined in QNV 2030, which aims to preserve least. Nevertheless, cultural differences exist, especially strong and cohesive families that enjoy support, care and social in the value systems of Arabs from different countries. protection. Qatar’s strong Arab and Muslim identity pervades Western expatriates, whose cultures are the most different all aspects of family life. Despite global pressures, leading to from Qatar’s, will typically have limited social interaction increasing international convergence in patterns of family with Qataris. Nonetheless, because they frequent the same formation, structure and dissolution, Qatar’s family structure places, the different way they dress and the leisure activities continues to be characterized by: in which they engage may impact on their culture and values. • The large size of extended families. • Traditional kinship ties. Given the centrality of the Arabic language to the Islamic faith, • Tribal authority that determines the behaviour of sons and its use reinforces the Islamic identity of the nation. With the daughters, especially with regard to marital choice. massive influx of expatriate workers, many other languages • Descent, with associated ideological and ethnic affiliations are commonly spoken, especially English. Where expatriate influential in society. workers are not conversant in Arabic, cultural exchange is limited although there are efforts to encourage higher-skilled Most Qatari households are relatively large compared with expatriates to learn Arabic through government and non- those in other countries of the region and high-income Western governmental organizations. Similarly, there is an increasing countries. Average household size according to the 2010 thrust towards the use of the English language throughout the population census is 6.7 people per household (9.7 persons education system, particularly at tertiary level. when domestic helpers are included). Some 74% of households have 5 or more members and almost 15% have 10 or more The major inflows of expatriate workers have resulted (figure 1.5). The modal household has six members and in the growing awareness of, and need for, an active policy accounts for 15% of all households; one person households on cultural diversity. This is further encouraged by the growth account for 4% and two-person households account for 5%. of tourism, Qatar’s increased diplomatic role in regional Qatari households have a young age composition. In 2010 81% and international affairs and its ambitions to become of Qatari households had at least one child under age15 and 57% had at least one youth (table 1.4).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Figure 1.5 Qatari households remain relatively large

6 15% 15% 5 13%

4 11% thousands)

( 10% ds 3 7% ehol 7% 6% 2 5% 4% 5% 4% er of hous 1 mb Nu 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11–12 13 or more Household size (number of persons)a a. Excludes domestic workers. Note: Numbers above the bars are the percentage of all Qatari households. Source: Computed from QSA (2011a).

Table 1.4 Most Qatari households have children under age 15, and 57% have at least one youth, 2010

Qatari Households

Household type Number Share of total (%) With children under age 15 29,320 81.1 Without children under age 15 6,848 18.9 With youth 20,661 57.1 Without youth 15,507 42.9 Total 36,168 100.0

Source: Computed from QSA (2011a).

Marriage and fertility Qatar is undergoing a remarkable economic transformation Marriage can be defined as a social contract between men that is increasingly challenging the more traditional aspects and women, determining individual rights and obligations. of family life. Women’s status within the family is changing, It provides the foundation for the formation of Qatari families, and the youth are leading this change. QNV 2030 advocates and is deeply rooted in traditional customs and identity. In Qatari that women should play a significant role in all spheres of life, society, as elsewhere in the region, premarital relationships are especially in the economic and political arenas (box 1.7). prohibited and most marriages are arranged by parents, in keeping with Islamic Sharia, culture, social habits and traditions.

Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting Box 1.7 Ensuring women, especially the young, have significant roles in all spheres of life

Investments in the advancement and empowerment sustained economic growth. To promote youth and of women, especially young women, have been shown women’s empowerment, the National Development internationally to be supportive of economic growth and Strategy 2011–2016 proposes initiatives that cover four can lead to many positive development outcomes. The main areas namely: drivers with the most impact are investments in health, • Building the education and skill capacities education, employment and leadership roles. of Qataris. • Helping Qataris and young entrepreneurs work in In 2009 Qatar ratified the Convention on the Elimination the private sector and participate in the business of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, a environment. framework for a human rights-based approach to issues • Removing obstacles to women’s participation affecting women. in the labour force. • Promoting women as leaders. In line with international conventions and with the 2004 Permanent Constitution, the QNV 2030 To increase the number of women in political, and the National Development Strategy 2011–2016 organizational and business-related decision-making support an expanded role for Qatari women positions by 30%, two interrelated programmes have been in national development, encouraging gender proposed: mainstreaming in sectoral development policies • A women’s leadership centre to strengthen and programmes, whilst recognizing the need and build women’s capacities. The challenge to take into account Qatari’s cultural and social setting. for the Centre will be to remove key impediments to women’s taking up leadership positions in political life There is a collective recognition that Qatar’s future and in society. Quality leadership training will help generation of women will have the educational provide the technical and “soft” skills needed for these ability and qualification to assume leadership positions. positions. • A programme will be initiated to change public There is, however, still a culturally conditioned perceptions of the role of women in employment, underestimation of scope and ability, and traditional business and society. It will include a new civil society views about appropriate avenues for women’s organization to promote and advocate for women’s employment (educational, administrative or clerical). issues. The challenge will be to identify and create awareness of new opportunities in Qatar’s expanded and increasingly Source: Adapted from Hadi (2011) and Ibrahim (2011). modernized labour market that are being created by

With the increasing tendency towards post-secondary education, According to 2010 census data only a small proportion–less Qatari men and women are getting married for the first time at than 1% of men and 4% of women–marry at ages 15–19. older ages than in the past. The mean age at first marriage for In 2010 some 59% of men and 64% of women in the 25–29 men rose from 25.8 in 1990 to above 29 in 2004 before falling age group had married, compared with 52% of men and back to 26.5 years in 2010: the corresponding ages for women 70% of women in 1997 (figure 1.7). Increasing proportions of were 22.1, 25.0 and 23.9 years (figure 1.6). One reason for the young women are remaining single–a phenomenon perhaps fall in marriage age since 2004 could be that the growth in associated with their rising educational attainment prosperity made marriages more affordable. as compared with young men.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Figure 1.6 Rising age of Qataris at first marriage, 1990–2010

Women Men 35 ge

ia 30 rr 29.4 ma

t 26.5

rs 25.8 25.0 25 23.9 22.1 ean age at fi

M 20

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010

Source: Mohammed, Ucar and Leete (2011).

Figure 1.7 Rising proportion of Qatari females remaining single, 1997 and 2010

(%) Men (%) Women 1997 2010 100 100

Single Single 80 80

60 60

40 Ever married 40 Ever married

20 20

0 0 15 – 19 20 – 24 25 – 29 15 – 19 20 – 24 25 – 29 Age group Age group

Source: Mohammed, Ucar and Leete (2011).

Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting There is a strong tendency for Qatari men and women to marry marry each other is shown by the ratios in the diagonal cells. a partner of the same, or similar, educational background. In The lower educational attainment levels of men as compared Table 1.5, ratios higher than 1 indicate a greater tendency for with women, as well as a reluctance to marry someone of lower inter-marriage, while ratios less than 1 indicate a lesser tendency educational status, may well be factors in the rising proportions for inter-marriage between the same educational groups. The of Qatari women remaining unmarried. tendency for men and women of a given educational level to

1 Table 1.5 Qataris most likely to marry someone of same educational status , 2010

Education status of wife

Primary Preparatory Secondary Tertiary Number and below Education status of husband Ratio of observed to expected2 Primary and below 3.63 1.55 0.73 0.59 185 Preparatory 1.38 1.57 0.94 0.71 339 Secondary 0.70 1.03 1.12 0.75 730 Tertiary 0.18 0.35 0.96 1.74 482 Number 119 218 1,018 381 1,736

Note 1. The ratios along the diagonal represent marriages between persons of the same education background; those above to women marrying above their education status, and those below to men marrying above their education status. 2. The expected number which would have occurred if the choice of a marriage partner had been independent of education status. Source: QSA (2011g).

Figure 1.8 Steadily declining trends in fertility of Qatari women, 1990–2010

6 6

5.21

5 5

Total fertility rate n) te 4.26 rate ra ma y 4 4 tion wo ilit fert oduc l l 3 3 ta 2.48 pr re To

Net reproduction rate t

(births per 2.03

2 2 Ne

1 1

0 0 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010

Source: Mohammed, Ucar and Leete (2011).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Qatari women are also having fewer children than a One effect of the rising age at first marriage and the declining generation ago. The total fertility rate, which measures rates of marriage at younger ages has been a rise in the the average number of children women will have by the proportion of women under age 30 without any children. The end of their child-bearing years, was around 4.3 in 2010, younger the women’s cohort, the higher is the proportion compared with 5.2 in 1990 (figure 1.8). of childlessness at any given age (table 1.7). For example, one-third of women born in 1960 were childless at age 25, The trend towards smaller family size can also be seen compared with 46% of women born in 1980. Similarly, just in the cumulative number of children born to young women. 23%t of women born in 1960 had not given birth by age 30, Qatari youth reaching ages 25–29 in 2010 had an average of compared with 34% among women born in 1980. 1.3 children compared with 1.4 among the same age group in 2004; for women who had ever been married the corresponding figures were 2.1 and 2.2 (table 1.6).

Table 1.6 Declining mean number of children ever born to Qatari women under age 30, 2004 and 2010

All women Ever married Age groups 2004 2010 2004 2010 15–19 0.02 0.02 0.59 0.39 20–24 0.38 0.32 1.16 0.97 25–29 1.42 1.30 2.18 2.05

Source: Mohammed, Ucar and Leete (2011).

Table 1.7 Rise in Qatari women remaining childless at ages under 30

Birth cohort of women Age in 2010 Percent of women childless at the given age 20 25 30 1960 50 66.6 33.6 22.6 1962 48 70.3 32.2 21.8 1964 46 71.1 34.1 22.7 1966 44 75.3 36.9 25.4 1968 42 75.0 36.7 23.3 1970 40 73.4 35.2 22.0 1972 38 75.4 37.0 25.2 1974 36 76.6 42.2 27.9 1976 34 76.4 39.6 25.7 1978 32 81.6 45.2 30.5 1980 30 82.3 45.5 34.4

Source: Mohammed, Ucar and Leete (2011).

Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting Divorce Knowledge of the divorce’s effect on the Qatari family and There is concern about the steady rise in the number of on youth well-being is limited. The available empirical Qatari couples seeking divorce, especially younger couples. evidence, however, suggests that divorced household heads The increase may be attributable in part to the increasing are more than twice as likely as married heads to be living number of married couples. Younger Qatari couples, on a relatively low income, especially for women who lack particularly within the first five years of marriage, are more financial support from their ex-husbands. International likely to divorce. In 2010 63% of divorces took place after less research on divorce in high-income countries indicates than five years of marriage and 31% before the marriage was adverse outcomes for the well-being of young people. These consummated. The Qatari divorce rate increased from 17.4 are normally associated with parental conflict and missing per 1,000 married people in 1995 to 18.2 in 2010 (figure 1.9). post-divorce contact with both parents. Further analysis of divorces in 2010 by GSDP indicates that divorce rates are highest among Qatari couples where the Government programmes to strengthen marriage, reduce wife’s educational level is higher than that of her husband. divorce and support divorcees-including pre-marriage counselling, expanded psychological and counselling services Key causes of divorce among Qataris include differences for couples who face separation and a social safety net for in social status of spouses, neglect of marital and family those facing divorce, especially women-were proposed in the responsibilities, domestic violence and financial pressures. National Development Strategy 2011–2016. With the rising A 2006 study by the Supreme Council for Family Affairs shows trend in divorce, understanding divorce’s effect on youth that divorce is more likely when the wife’s educational level well-being and ensuring the continuity of cohesive families is higher than her husband’s (Al Merekhi 2006). Higher are crucial for youth and national development. Families are educational attainment levels of young women as compared the core of Qatari society and provide the care and support to young men is a relatively common situation in Qatar necessary for young people as they move through their stages (see chapter 2). of learning, work, family and citizenship.

Figure 1.9 Increasing number of Qatari divorces filed from 1995 to 2010

Number of divorces Divorce rate

1,200 25

19.8

1,000 20

es 18.2 17.4 per rc es vo 800 764 15 rc vo ed people of di rri er 600 of di mb

10 er

Nu 400 343 mb 1,000 ma 5 Nu 200

0 0 1995 2000 2005 2010

Note: Data are three-year moving averages. Source: Computed from QSA (2010b).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Relative poverty and Qatari youth

There is no absolute poverty or hunger in Qatar. Some 9% of Qatari households were classified as being in relative There is, however, a natural tendency for individuals to assess income poverty. Low income and expenditure households in their level of well-being by comparing their situation to 2006/2007 tended to be larger in household size than average. that of their peers and to be seen by those peers as in some If equivalized expenditure is used to measure household sense deprived if they do not possess those assets owned by welfare, the prevalence of poor children (15.4%) was substantially the great majority of the population. A case can therefore greater than the prevalence of poor households (11.5%; table be made for Qatar’s social protection system to include a 1.8). The prevalence of low income among Qatari households mechanism supporting households living in relative poverty, increases from 9% to 14% if household incomes are not consistent with QNV 2030’s aim of ensuring an adequate supplemented by government transfers. This differential income to maintain a healthy and dignified life for all. indicates the critical role played by government transfers.

Relative poverty A relative poverty line has been developed that interprets poverty in relation to the prevailing standards of society at a given time (box 1.8).

Box 1.8 Deriving a relative poverty line for Qatar

A relative poverty line interprets poverty in relation the differential needs of adults and children. to the prevailing standards of the society at a given time. They also take account of the potential for scale The most common approach is to define a country’s economies: some expenditure per household member poverty line income as a certain percent of the country’s will be lower in larger households (rents, household median, or mean, level of income. durables and so on). For Qatar, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (modified) A relative poverty line was developed using data from the equalizing scale was used, where a value of 1 is assigned Qatar Statistics Authority’s 2006/2007 Household Income to the head of household, 0.5 to each additional adult and Expenditure Survey to analyse the incidence and member ages 14 years and older and 0.3 to each child intensity of low income (and spending) among Qatari under age 14. households. Qatari household incomes and expenditures were adjusted to allow for a household’s needs varying The relative poverty line income for Qatar was defined with its size and composition. A larger household as half the median household equalized income. naturally requires higher income and expenditure to A household is said to be in relative income poverty attain the same welfare for its members as a one-person if its income per equivalent adult falls below this line. household. In the 2006/2007 Household Income and Expenditure Survey the threshold for annual equalized income The adjustment involved division of each household’s (the relative poverty line income) was QR 64,286. total income and expenditure by the number of adult equivalent members. These numbers were estimated Source: GSDP (2010). from adult equivalence scales which take into account

Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting Table 1.8 Low-income Qatari households

Prevalence 2006/2007 (%) Category Income-based Expenditure-based Household 9.2 11.5 Individual 12.0 14.8 Child (under age 14) 13.7 15.4 Elderly (age 60 and over) 13.4 17.0 Others 11.0 14.3

Source: Computed from QSA (2008a).

Impact of low income on youth Young people in low-income households face many Some 13% of Qatari youth live in low-income households, challenges, including lower educational attainment, leaving compared with 9% of Qatari adults (figure 1.10). Because school earlier and higher unemployment. They are more many young people do not contribute to household income, likely to have a below secondary education (11% higher for households with larger numbers of youth members tend 15–19 year olds, 14% higher for 20–24 year olds) (figure 1.11). to have lower per capita income.

Figure 1.10 About 13% of Qatari youth live in low-income households, 2006/2007

Other households Low income household (%) 100 9 15 10 10

80

60

90 91 90 40 85

20

0 15 – 19 20 – 24 25 and older Total

Source: Computed from QSA (2008a).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report They also have a slightly lower proportion attending Existing welfare programmes do not take account of changing school (0.4% and 6% lower) and are much more likely to be economic conditions, such as inflation, nor are they linked unemployed (27% and 11% higher). Such early disadvantages to a wider fiscal framework. Developing and implementing faced by youth in poorer households often become deeply a fund to assist in raising low-income Qataris to half the entrenched and are extremely difficult to remedy once they median income threshold would significantly improve the reach adulthood. Suitable measures for social protection are poorer households’ quality of life. required to mitigate the adverse effects of relative poverty on youth. Qatar provides a generous family and employment- There needs to be a gender dimension in social protection based social protection system to its citizens. A national policies and programmes as evidence indicates that divorced relative poverty line can support and facilitate stronger women and widows are at a high risk of falling into relative legislation to ensure sufficient cash transfers are available poverty. Low-income households generally need greater under both government and nongovernment assistance assistance with housing and also additional help to educate programmes for vulnerable children, single mothers, their children in order to improve intergenerational mobility unemployed, the disabled, prisoners’ families and the elderly. and break the cycle of poverty and low income.

Figure 1.11 Youth in low income households have lower educational attainment, 2006/2007

30 26.7 25 Age group 15–19 20 20–24

15 13.7 11.1 10.6 10

5 At school 0 households (percentage points) -0.4 Educational attainment Unemployed -5 (Below-secondary) Difference between low-income and other -5.8 -10

Source: Computed from QSA (2008a).

Qatari Youth in a Changing Demographic and Socioeconomic Setting Conclusion

Youth everywhere are being positively and negatively affected Qatari youth thus need to adapt to the dramatic by the increasingly globalized and interconnected world. modernization taking place in their traditionally conservative One important driver is the revolution in ICT which has culture, as well as to rapidly changing demographic shrunk the world in time and in space, creating a global dynamics. These trends call for intercultural understanding cyberculture that is testing traditional ideas and national and tolerance, as well as intergenerational dialogue. values and allowing youth to build and communicate through social networks. Through this access to information and Changing patterns in marriage, child-bearing and divorce ideas, ICT is empowering and engaging youth. These ongoing are affecting youth development. Qataris are marrying later, far reaching changes present new challenges and exciting more women are not marrying, fertility rates are falling and opportunities for all societies, especially in building capacities more women are remaining childless. A growing proportion for the young to participate in all spheres of society. of more educated women are remaining permanently unmarried. Divorce is steadily increasing, especially among Youth make up almost 15% of Qatar’s population, and Qatari young Qatari couples, and particularly within the first five youth account for almost 20% of the Qatari population. years of marriage. Measures to support strong cohesive QNV 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2011–2016 families that care for their members and strengthen the are beginning to drive Qatar’s transformation into a diversified institution of marriage need to be strengthened. and advanced knowledge economy. Rising income and continued economic expansion have contributed to impressive gains Divorced women with children are at a high risk of falling in human development. Youth have been important into poverty, especially because their remarriage rates are beneficiaries through better health, improved education much lower than divorced men’s. Youth in households where and rising affluence. a divorce has occurred face a number of challenges, including lower educational attainment and lower skilled employment. As an energy-rich country, with rising revenues from gas and While there is no absolute poverty in Qatar, some 13% of oil exports, Qatar invested heavily in infrastructure projects Qatari youth live in households that are classified as poor. in the first decade of the 21st century. Multiple megaprojects A social safety net that ensures an adequate income to resulted in large inflows of non-Qatari workers, many of maintain a healthy and dignified life is required. From a whom are young. There were more than 1 million persons social development perspective an effective social protection added to Qatar’s population between 2004 and 2010, the system and strengthened family cohesion are critical to country’s population grew from just 0.7 million to 1.7 million. support youth in the transition from childhood to adulthood. One result is that Qatari youth have become a minority in the total population, as well as in the education system and the labour force.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth

“Through education Qatar seeks to go beyond preparing citizens to be part of the country’s economic engine. Education provides a solid grounding in Qatari religious, moral and ethical values, national identity, traditions and cultural heritage. Education helps people make better decisions about health, marriage, parenting and social responsibility and education supports innovation in science and industry. The National Development Strategy 2011-2016 will introduce education programmes that equip Qatari children and youth with the skills and motivation to contribute to society.”

National Development Strategy 2011-2016

Young people’s education experience is a critical determinant of Qatar’s future economic success will depend on the ability of their future well-being and yields multiple benefits throughout its people, men and women, and especially its youth, (box their lifetime. Investments in learning at an early age 2.1) to deal with a global environment that is knowledge- generally have larger returns, partly because they increase the based and extremely competitive. Education initiatives that productivity of later investments. There are substantial personal address the intricate relationship between human capital and and social benefits if children and young adults acquire the the labour market are essential. Economic success is based knowledge, skills, values and attitudes required to become increasingly on effectively using intangible assets such as self-reliant and successful individuals, productive members knowledge, skills and innovative potential. Education is the of the labour force, good parents and responsible citizens. bedrock of competitiveness (UNDP 2010). Learning opportunities need to be provided for individuals of all ages, especially young people who have not realized their full potential the first time around (World Bank 2006).

Box 2.1 Voice of youth: igniting minds

Education is one of the most critical factors contributing to gain knowledge and self-confidence. Igniting the minds to young people's chances of leading healthy, productive of youth can be a powerful resource. Our government and responsible lives. Educating a woman has implications should focus on harnessing the energy of young people for her family, for the community and for society. for their constructive engagement. Investments in young people’s education supports the transition from youth to good citizen. Youth should Source: Adapted from an essay by Hana Abdul Hameed (2011). be encouraged, inspired and motivated to strive hard Educational provision

In marked contrast to the situation a generation ago, In addition to compulsory schooling, there has been a rapid basic schooling of Qataris is now universal and literacy growth in pre-primary kindergarten education in support rates for those ages 15-24 are close to 100%. Despite some of early childhood development, since the start of the improvements, the quality of primary, preparatory Education for a New Era reforms that began almost a decade and secondary education does not yet meet international ago. The uptrend in kindergarten education has been driven standards, especially in mathematics and science. by private providers, which in 2009/2010 accounted for some More emphasis is needed on the attainment of soft skills such 80% of total enrolments. However, kindergarten schooling as analytical thinking and teamwork, which will enhance the is not mandatory, and not all Qatari children attend, despite ability of young Qataris to find employment. While school it being free. Those who do not attend, currently more enrolments have increased substantially up to the secondary than half, are less well prepared for entry to primary school. level, tertiary enrolment rates could be much higher, There is considerable international evidence that suggest especially among men. that preschool enhances children’s future learning ability.

Children of the growing number of non-Qataris constitute In addition to the public and private provision of the majority of students at all levels of education. kindergarten and basic education, Qatar Foundation offers The growth in the number of children of non-Qataris outstanding education to cover all grades from kindergarten has been accompanied by a substantial increase in private up to secondary school. For example, the Awsaj Institute international and community schools. More and more Qatari of Education aims to raise the educational performance parents are sending their children to international schools, of students with learning challenges, engages in partnerships and thus Qatari children are increasingly mixing with with stakeholders to develop the potential and abilities of their peers from a diverse group of countries and cultural students, and develops and promotes the application and backgrounds. This interaction provides them with assessment tools, teaching methods and curricula for effective opportunities to establish friendships with and share learning teaching professionals. The Awsaj Institute includes two experiences in culturally diverse school settings; however, entities: the Awsaj Academy, a school for K-12 students it also poses challenges to traditional value systems. who face academic difficulties, and the Awsaj Centre These may be partially overcome with the mandatory of Teaching and Learning, which offers specialized teaching of Arabic, religious studies and civic education. services for students who need more individual attention and provides professional development for teachers. The sub-sections below outline the educational opportunities provided for young Qataris, the investments being made Investment in education and the ongoing and prospective reforms to the education The establishment of a world class education and training and training system. This provides the background system is a major goal of QNV 2030’s human development pillar for an assessment of performance later in the chapter. and is intended to support Qatar’s transition from a resource- dependent economy to a diversified knowledge economy. In The basic education system recent years Qatar’s education system has benefited greatly Qatar’s education system entails six years of primary from increased revenues. Substantial resources have been schooling (commencing at age 6), followed by three years at allocated to improving infrastructure, as well as to the human, the preparatory stage and three years of secondary schooling; material and organizational inputs into the education system. the first nine years are compulsory. After secondary school, Expenditure on education accounted for around 4.1% of several pathways are available for post-secondary education. GDP in 2009/2010, which is in line with the Organisation for For Qatari children, as well as for children of non-Qataris Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average and working in the public sector, primary and secondary is comparable to other high-spending Gulf Cooperation Council education is free. Public schools provide additional support countries (figure 2.1). While overall government expenditure for students with special needs and learning difficulties, increased six-fold over the period 2000-2010, that on education as well as for those with behaviour that adversely affects increased nine-fold, accounting for 13% of total government their schooling. expenditure in 2009/2010.

Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth Figure 2.1 Marked rise in government spending on education

Qatar's expenditure on education as a percent Qatar's share of government spending on of GDP is slightly below the OECD average education has increased sharply

8 14

P) 13 12 re ) GD on 12 11 ti tu of

6 ca 5.6 10 5.1 9 pendi n (% 4.5 8

io 8 on edu 4.1 t ex

at 4 3.8 re en

tu 6 educ ernm r 4 pendi

fo 2 1.2 gov l l ex re 2 ic tu bl of tota 0 Pu 0 pendi

Qatar Kuwait Oman Saudi United CD (% 2000/ 2006/ 2007/ 2008/ 2009/ 2009/ Arab Ex Arabia Average 2001 2007 2008 2009 2010 2010 Emirates

Note: Data include expenditures at all levels of education. Source: Computed from UIS (2011), QSA (2011d); MOEF (2011).

In 2009/2010 around 47% of Qatar’s education expenditure provision through a well regulated private sector alongside went to capital investment, whereas in most OECD countries autonomous government-funded Independent schools the corresponding proportion was much lower, with salaries (GSDP 2011a); internationally benchmarked curriculum accounting for 80%–85% of total expenditure. Qatar’s higher standards in Arabic, English, mathematics and science; capital expenditure reflects the demand for increased and continuous performance monitoring of schools infrastructure development in a period of rapid population (RAND 2009a; Erman 2007). growth of the school-going population. It also reflects the government’s strategy of investing in best practice models By the start of school year 2010/2011, all the former Ministry of education. Total expenditure per student including of Education schools had become fully Independent schools, public (79%) and private (21%) expenditure for all schools completing this component of the reform process. These in 2009/2010, was estimated at QR 24,500 for primary schools (which include preprimary, primary, preparatory education, QR 30,500 for preparatory and QR 39,000 for and secondary) have considerable autonomy in mission, vision secondary. While the value for secondary education is 15% and strategy, staffing, expenditures and teaching methods higher than the OECD average (OECD 2011a), that for primary and are encouraged to be innovative in meeting the needs and preparatory schooling is some 1%-5% less. of individual students and parents within the framework These figures exclude expenditure on infrastructure, of the new curriculum standards. Each independent school amenities, information and communication technology has a board of trustees, a parent association and a student and professional development. parliament. The board of trustees has a consultative role and provides guidance and quality assurance. Educational reforms The Supreme Education Council established in 2002, directs Qatar now has curriculum standards comparable to Qatar’s education policy and plays a vital role in developing international benchmarks in Arabic, English, mathematics and implementating the Education for A New Era reforms and science, for kindergarten and all 12 grades. Religious that began in that year (MFA 2010). At the heart of these studies is also taught as a main subject. Using this reforms are increased variety and choice in education framework, the Qatar Comprehensive Evaluation Assessment

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report is administered annually to students in every independent Since 2009 students have been eligible for a government school and all schools are to be reviewed every three years. scholarship. Graduates are guaranteed employment at Qatar Petroleum, and highly successful graduates can enter certain Competition with the growing private sector involved in majors at Qatar University. education is being encouraged, and a voucher programme was instituted in 2008. The programme is intended to In 2011 the Supreme Education Council in partnership with remove financial barriers and allow children from relatively Qatar Central Bank established the independent School disadvantaged households access to a select group of private of Commerce, for secondary school students to study business- schools that meet rigorous quality criteria (SEC 2010a). related subjects. The School provides business and financial The Supreme Education Council is reviewing the voucher sector training as part of a curriculum dedicated to grooming system to determine the feasibility of extending candidates for purposeful roles in the country’s financial it to a broader group of students. sector. Qatar Central Bank supervises student training in coordination with many Qatari banks and coordinates directly Following a comprehensive sectorwide review of the education with English and computer training institutes to provide and training sector, including a situation analysis, diagnostic students with fundamental training in these two areas. studies and regional and international benchmarking, an education and training sector strategy for 2011–2016 In 2010/2011 the Qatar Religious Institute, established was formulated in 2010. The priority programmes and in 1913, became an independent religious school. projects were subsequently incorporated into the National The institute is a learning centre for students in grades Development Strategy 2011–2016. The proposed outcomes 7–12 and provides specialized courses in Arabic studies, build on and extend the Education for a New Era reforms English and experimental sciences. The institution enrols and include initiatives in the core areas of education and some 200-300 students, about 10% of them are Qataris. training–namely cross-cutting education and training; general education (that is, K-12); higher education; technical One of Qatar’s new international private schools, the Michael education and vocational training; and scientific research. E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions, might also be considered a vocational/technical school for preparatory Vocational education and secondary students seeking a career in medical science. Qatar provides relatively limited opportunities for young In 2011 the school enrolled some 150 students. Qataris, especially girls, who seek a nonacademic alternative at the end of compulsory schooling. Only three public schools Post-secondary education provide the technical and vocational secondary education Qatar has several post-secondary and tertiary education that offers labour market-relevant qualification for boys: institutions that offer formal education for secondary school the Qatar Independent Technical School, the School of graduates. These courses lead to a professional diploma or Commerce and the Qatar Religious Institute. Enrolment associate degree. Four such institutions are: in these schools rose from 472 in 2006/2007 to 739 in • College of the North Atlantic-Qatar with about 2,300 2009/2010, which still accounts for a small percentage students in 2011, opened in 2002 as a post-secondary of enrolement (SEC 2011b). In the future there are plans institution combining a Canadian curriculum and industry to provide technical and vocational options for girls. expertise in health sciences, information technology, engineering technology and business studies. The Qatar Independent Technical School, established in 2004, • Community College of Qatar opened in September 2010 is the only technical secondary school in Qatar and offers with 300 full-time and 150 part-time students and plans boys ages 15–17 a three-year secondary programme that for considerable expansion. Run in partnership with leads to a diploma. In 2011 the school enrolled 245 students. Houston Community College, it offers technical and liberal It follows the Australian Training and Further Education arts programmes and is open to students of all ages. qualification framework and is run by Qatar Petroleum with • Qatar Aeronautical College was founded in 1975 as the Civil an agreement with the Supreme Education Council. Around Aviation College of the Gulf States in partnership 30% of classroom time is allocated to hands-on workshop with Qatar Airways. The institution graduates some 50 and laboratory training activities and students have access Qatari pilots a year and prepares students to take on other to a range of summer internships and industrial placements. roles within the aviation industry, such as engineering,

Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth passenger services, airport operations and cargo. States. The Academic Bridge Programme provides secondary • Ahmed Bin Mohamed Military College operated school graduates with English pre-university courses to help in cooperation with Sandhurst Royal Military Academy them meet university entry requirements. The fees for Qatari in the United Kingdom, offers a curriculum in military students at these institutions are paid by the government studies and science. Since the first graduating class or a corporate sponsor such as Qatar Petroleum. in 2001, six cohorts of cadets from the armed forces, Ministry of Interior and other security forces have The reform of Qatar University and the creation and growth graduated with bachelor degrees. of Education City universities have created outstanding opportunities and choices for Qatari youth to study at There are many other initiatives at the post-secondary level, a higher education institution of international repute. including the Qatar Finance and Business Academy Almost all programmes are internationally accredited (Qatar Financial Centre Authority) established in 2009 and courses support Qatar’s aim of equipping and preparing and the proposed Vocational Education and Training College. graduates for the needs of a knowledge-based economy. Yet there is considerable scope for improvement in Tertiary education participation and performance. The Emir of Qatar, as Supreme Head of Qatar University, initiated reforms in 2003 to turn Qatar University into a model In addition to Qatar University and Education City universities, national university, one that would meet the needs which in 2010 came under the umbrella of Hamad bin of a new generation of young Qataris (RAND 2009b). Khalifa University, Qatar has two private universities: Qatar University is the country’s oldest public university • Stenden University Qatar, which took its present and caters to most Qatari university students, albeit a form in 2009, specializes in four-year undergraduate slightly declining proportion. By 2009 all the principal bachelor programmes accredited by the Dutch Flemish recommendations had either been completed or were in Accreditation Organization. It offers degree courses progress and most academic programmes, including biological in international hospitality and tourism management, sciences, chemistry and business and economics, had received and has its own foundation course for students who do not prestigious international accreditations. Qatar University meet its entry requirements. It has a small international is also becoming a leading research hub with the recent campus with students from numerous countries. establishment of the Social and Economic Survey Research • University of Calgary-Qatar provides education in clinical Institute, the Environmental Studies Centre, the Gas Processing practice and family healthcare through its nursing Centre, the Office of Academic Research, the Materials programme, to help bolster Qatar’s health and medical Technology Unit and the Office of Quality Management. resources. It offers a bachelor of nursing degree for post–secondary students, or transfer students from the In 1998 Qatar Foundation through a visionary and College of the North Atlantic-Qatar’s pre-nursing programme. forward-looking initiative, established Education City, a state-of-the-art international campus and learning Qatar has outstanding infrastructure in place for scientific environment. Initially occupied by the Virginia research with programmes to draw young Qatari researchers Commonwealth University in Qatar, by 2011 it had expanded and to build partnerships with universities and businesses. to include nine government-assisted branch campuses Under the leadership of Qatar Foundation, in 2011 the of globally recognised universities, offering bachelor’s and Qatar National Research Fund awarded 58 research grants master’s degrees in various fields of specialization (figure 2.2). worth $53 million to scientists at four Qatar Foundation Education City universities currently account for almost 10% universities, Texas A&M University-Qatar, Weill Cornell of all Qatari tertiary enrolments (see table 2.2). Admission Medical College-Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University-Qatar standards and accreditation of programmes are the same as and Virginia Commonwealth University-Qatar. The fund those in their mother institutions in Europe and the United offers grants of $20,000–$350,000 a year for up to three

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Figure 2.2 Education City universities catering to a knowledge-based economy and innovation

Enabler University Field of specialisation Research

Weill Cornell Medical Biomedical research and healthcare targeting women and child College 2002 health; utilizing molecular and genetic medicine approaches Scientific and Carnegie Mellon Computer science and management technical

n) 2004

datio Texas A&M Science and engineering, research in environment, process

un 2007 safety, petroleum reservoirs, telecommunication and power fo y y ar Georgetown School of International and regional studies, public policy nd Foreign Service 2005 co se t- Northwestern University Journalism and communications programme 2008 Policy, social, 1 (p os

00 science and

e 2 Faculty of Islamic Studies Relate Islamic legacy to modern challenges and solutions business 2007 mm ra

og HEC Paris Executive education programmes in financial management; Pr 2010 fostering strategic innovation; and leadership and change idge Virginia Commonwealth Fashion, textiles design and testing, design sector mapping Innovative ic Br ic 1998 design cadem

A University College London Research in archaeology, conservation, cultural heritage and Culture and Qatar 2011 museology heritage

years, as well as seed funding for students of up to $10,000 Qatar Science and Technology Park promotes corporate a year. The grants encourage multidisciplinary research in research, technological development and commercialization medicine, biotechnology, environmental sciences, information through engagement with international industry leaders technology, nanotechnology and engineering. and research institutions and provides guidance about how research projects can be commercialized and identifies Recognizing the importance of promoting a culture of the commercial potential of each funded project. scientific research at an early age, the Qatar National Research This has helped Qatar develop, promote and attract Fund in cooperation with the Supreme Education Council technology production and investment in cutting-edge launched a research programme for high school students. research and development providing Qatar’s youth with It aims to encourage research among students in secondary outstanding research opportunities (figure 2.3). Qatar’s schools (public, independent and private), under their National Development Strategy 2011–2016 foresees an even teachers’ supervision. more productive scientific and research system with the development of a national strategy that defines priority areas for scientific research and development, and an increase in the number of scientific research publications and patents.

Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth Figure 2.3 Qatar's Science and Technology Park expanding cutting-edge research opportunities for youth

Research programme Objective Partners

Development and • Clean energy research and development Green Gullf, Chevron • Advanced cooling technologies deployment of cost effective • Renewable power generation Energy Solutions and Water sustainable • Energy storage Sustainability Centre energy technologies • Carbon capture and sequestration (Conocco Phillips and (2011) • Water treatment systems General Electric)

Research on transportation • Mobile energy unites in light rail systems solutions for • Understanding impact of extreme environmental Siemens and integrated mobility conditions on urban mobility Williams and extreme climates Technology Centre (2010)

Solar energy technology • Solar carbon black reactor for solar thermal production of Chevron and carbon black and hydrogen from Methane with the minimum CO2 (2010) Green Gulf Inc

Fraunhofer- Solar technology • Solar cracking reactor for solar-thermal production of hydrogen from methane Gesellschaft and (2010) • Reduction of CO2 emissions TAMUQ

Research on LNG safety, • Carbon capture and sequestration Qatar Petroleum, sulfur, and • Reduction of CO2 emissions Qatar Shell Research Centre environmental management and ExxonMobil (2006)

Educational quality and student incentives

With the possible exception of secondary vocational National curriculum standards education, there are plentiful opportunities for young Though formal education standards, met by a limited Qataris to benefit from an education system that is generally number of students, exist, there is no detailed national well resourced at all levels. Detailed analysis of indicators curriculum. Providing such a curriculum, setting out the such as pupil/teacher ratios, class sizes, access to information steps required to meet the established standards and offering and communication technology (ICT), time spent learning detailed guidance to teachers on how to effectively instruct per pupil and so on confirms that the quantity of inputs students (for example, by specifying lesson plans, appropriate can largely be ruled out as a reason for poor student textbooks or learning tools) would give teachers a performance (GSDP 2010b). The education system has much-needed framework for planning their activities struggled to keep up with the demand for school places to meet their students’ needs. Opportunities for digitizing in a period of rapid increase in the school going population. these processes and for using e-assessments are available. The quality of the learning process below the tertiary level remains a challenge despite initiatives such as the use of the Language of instruction Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International The issues relating to the language of instruction are Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Scolastic Assessment complex. To support the move towards the establishment Test (SAT) to better prepare students for university. of a knowledge-based economy and ensure that secondary graduates do not require a foundation year prior to university

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report entry, English is used to teach mathematics and science from English language skills. There are also limited incentives grade 1 of primary school. However, not all primary school for teachers to improve their overall performance. teachers are fluent in English, and only a few can teach it as While the overwhelming majority of schools report a second language to the level required for the mathematics that they regularly evaluate teacher performance, there and science curricula. Moreover, independent schools can is no clear link from evaluation, professional development choose their language of instruction as long as they follow or improvements in practical teaching skills to financial the standard curriculum. Some instruct in Arabic and or nonfinancial incentives. In 2011 the government some in English, although the Supreme Education Council substantially increased teachers’ salaries and allowances. has encouraged them to teach mathematics and science All schools regularly conduct performance assessments of in English. Private Arabic schools teach in Arabic, while their teachers linked to their professional development. These international schools teach in English or another language. measures are aimed at helping to reduce teacher turnover. Overall, many Qatari students as well as many teachers The Supreme Education Council in collaboration with Qatar continue to have problems with instruction in English. University also established a sponsorship programme for high school graduates planning to become teachers. Teacher quality International studies strongly suggest that teacher quality is Schools with autonomy in expenditure and staffing, the most important determinant of the overall quality of an whether in the public or private sectors, will not necessarily education system. International comparisons suggest that employ the best-qualified teachers if they demand teachers in Qatar are, on average, better qualified academically substantially higher salaries than adequately qualified but more often lack professional teaching qualifications. Just colleagues. This is a particular issue in a country such as Qatar, over 90% of Qatari students are taught by teachers with a where schools have relatively unhindered access to the global university degree, compared with the Progress in International labour market (RAND 2009c). Unsurprisingly, turnover of Literacy Study (PIRLS) international average of 60% (SEC 2007). teachers in Qatar’s schools is high, partly associated with non- Qataris being offered only short term contracts. More generally, In independent schools, only 62% of teachers have a formal international experience suggests that greater autonomy, teaching qualification (68% across all school types), while the while providing substantial opportunities for innovation and PIRLS 2007 international average was 98% (SEC 2009). Majority adaption to meet the needs of specific student populations, of teachers are non-Qataris (70% in 2009/2010) widens performance inequalities between schools, a tendency (SEC 2011b) which tends to be linked to issues of high that is reinforced by competition among parents to obtain turnover and effects on students’ culture and values. places in the best schools for their children (Bunar 2010).

The lack of professional teaching skills is a particular problem Information and communication technology in the absence of a detailed national curriculum. Teachers in education and training in independent schools are highly autonomous and are ICT is a powerful enabler of successful education and training, encouraged to develop innovative strategies in line with and the ability to use ICT is a necessary skill for youth entering the student-centred approach to classroom teaching instituted modern employment. Qatar has invested significantly in ICT as part of the Education for a New Era reforms. Curriculum infrastructure in K-12 schools and by 2010, almost all students standards were designed on the assumption that teaching have access to computers. In independent schools as few as would develop the research and analytical thinking skills of five students share one school computer. Qatari students enjoy pupils, enhance their ability to solve problems and prepare access to computers at a rate comparable to that in European them for competition in the best international universities. countries. Together with the Supreme Education Council, Not surprising, many students struggle with the higher ictQATAR has implemented several initiatives to make ICT an demands of self-managed work, while many teachers lack the integral part of the student’s learning experience, ranging from basic lesson-planning skills required to function effectively providing children with tablet PCs and learning software, to under the new system (Knight and others 2010). developing e-content for student self-learning programmes, to developing integrated student data management systems While in-service training is available, interviews with teachers for teachers, principals, students and parents. Further indicate that it is not addressing their most urgent training enhancements are planned and the National Development needs, such as effective professional development of their Strategy 2011–2016 proposes an integrated strategy linking

Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth ICT use in K-12 education with higher education, technical The most important reasons for underachievement of male education and vocational training, as well as modernizing students are all family-related, as reflected in a 2007 study administrative processes and education information systems. (LMS 2007). Respondents noted that young Qatari men are typically provided material wealth without having to work Motivation to learn for it. Many families were focused on employment Effective learning requires collaboration between good opportunities rather than on education qualifications teachers and willing students. Although 65% of secondary or long-term goals. They insist that their sons seek school students report that they want to achieve a higher employment when they have completed high school. level degree, many fail to achieve this ambition (SEC 2009). Several quantitative indicators suggest that few students Much of the discussion around educational incentives has are highly motivated. On average, Qatari students spend focused on young male Qataris (box 2.2). Less consideration approximately 50% fewer hours per week doing homework has been directed at the underlying motivations of Qatari than the international average. They also exhibit a high girls and young women, who have consistently displayed degree of absenteeism, amounting to 15% of school days substantially higher participation rates and performance (compared to 3-4% in the United States). in higher education (see figure 2.5 and 2.10). Largely for cultural reasons, less-educated Qatari women have limited One oft-cited reason for students’ apparent lack of motivation employment opportunities. Post-secondary qualifications is that many Qataris are able to secure employment and obtain are seen as one means of gaining access to clerical or a relatively high standard of living regardless of their professional employment in culturally acceptable government qualifications. The availability of secure, prestigious, and well posts. In recent years a virtuous circle has been established paying public sector jobs, including in the police force and in Qatar as in other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, military, that do not require post-secondary schooling may act with governments supporting the entry of women into the as a disincentive to pursuing further education (RAND 2007). labour force and their increasing visibility, encouraging others Growing affluence has meant that many Qatari parents have to join them (Willoughby 2004). accumulated significant material possessions in a short period, which provides little incentive for them to encourage their children to successfully complete secondary and university studies.

Box 2.2 Overcoming the gender gap: increasing the retention of boys

Rising educational attainment by girls not only Qatari economy, attitudes towards acquiring these contributes to human capital formation and higher competencies through vocational training productivity, but also provides them with the capacity are often negative, and a radical change of to make decisions and broadens their life choices. perspective is needed if significant numbers of Almost all Qatari girls are enrolled at primary and young Qataris are to participate in this segment preparatory school and enrolment rates are high at the of the knowledge-based economy. secondary level. But it is at the tertiary level that females excel, substantially surpassing the participation and Linked to this situation is the entrenched gender gap achievements of their male counterparts. For example, that results from the relatively low retention rates of in 2010 the ratio of women to men studying mathematics Qatari men in secondary school and subsequent and sciences at Qatar University was six to one. educational programmes, especially in subject areas such as mathematics and science that The gender challenge for Qatar is to increase male constitute the basis of most technical training enrolment in higher education. Significant challenges and competence. remain in technical education and training. Despite the Source: GSDP (2011). huge importance of technical competencies to the

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Educational participation and achievement Substantial investments have been made to modernize Rising attainment levels the national education system through massive investments There has been a strong upward trend in the proportion of in infrastructure, technology and other inputs. How have Qataris attaining higher level qualifications. The expansion these investments affected the educational performance of education opportunities in Qatar at all levels can be seen of young people? in the progressively higher education attainment levels of the adult Qatari population over time. By 2010 some 77% Trends and patterns in the education performance of Qatari men ages 25 and older and 70% of Qatari women of Qataris in this age group had attained at least secondary education Whereas it is now compulsory for all Qataris to undertake compared with 57% and 49% in 2001 (figure 2.5). This at least nine years of education, among those ages 50 situation is mirrored in the rapidly declining proportion of and older a substantial proportion (almost 34% of men those ages 25 and older with below secondary education, and 60% of women) reported in the 2010 census which fell from 43% to 23% for men and from 51% to 30% for that they had never been to school. This has given rise women. The gender difference is noteworthy: among older to a situation in which educational attainment has a high youth in the 20–24 year age group, a smaller proportion of inverse correlation with age (figure 2.4). women (13%) than men (23%) had an educational attainment level below secondary in 2001. The gap had narrowed somewhat by 2010, with women at 11% and men at 7%.

Figure 2.4 Today’s Qatari youth are better educated than older generations

Qataris (%) Men 80 + Women 100 75 - 79 Men 70 - 74 Attainment level Tertiary 80 65 - 69 Women Secondary 60 - 64 Primary , 2010 60 55 - 59 Below Primary

hool 50 - 54 sc 45 - 49 40 40 - 44 35 - 39

er been to 20 30 - 34

Ev 25 - 29 20 - 24 0

d 15 - 19 9 9 9 9 9 9 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 older 15 25 35

45 55 65 15 10 5 0 0 5 10 15 75 an Age group Population (thousands), 2010

Source: QSA (2011a).

Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth Figure 2.5 Educational attainment of Qatari youth has improved markedly over time

(%) Ages 15 and older (%) Ages 15–19 100 100 0.8 1.1 17.9 24.5 20.1

n 29.2 80 80 io

at 63.9 74.7 60 43.8 39.9 60 83.0 84.3 55.6 47.0 40 40 of educ el 20 38.3 40.0 20 36.1

Lev 25.3 19.9 23.8 16.2 14.6 0 0 2001 2010 2001 2010 2001 2010 2001 2010

Men Women Men Women

(%) Aged 20–24 (%) Ages 25 and older 100 5.8 100 10.2 11.5 15.3

n 26.4 28.3 80 80 34.5 39.1 io at 60 71.0 60 30.7 21.1 78.6 75.5 77.8 42.6 31.3 40 40 of educ

el 42.9 50.6 20 20 29.6

Lev 23.2 22.9 11.2 13.0 6.9 0 0 2001 2010 2001 2010 2001 2010 2001 2010

Men Women Men Women

Tertiary Secondary Below Secondary

Source: QSA (2002 and 2011a).

Among younger cohorts, Qatari women have achieved far Illiteracy higher educational attainment levels than men of the same Among youth illiteracy is largely a phenomenon of the past. age (figure 2.6). They outperform men at all ages under 40. Over 99% of young Qataris are literate, which has led to an Older women with less education are being succeeded overall decline in illiteracy in the Qatari population from as they age by their better educated young counterparts. 11% in 2001 to 5% in 2010 (table 2.1). Among male youth The goal of empowering women in education is steadily ages 15–19 illiteracy rates declined from 1.7% in 2001 to being realized and has implications in broader issues 0.4% in 2010, which is lower than the rate typically quoted relating to gender equality among today’s youth. for countries in North America and Western Europe (UIS 2009). Rates are also similar for men and women. Another way of assessing progress in educational outcomes is through the average length of time spent in the educational The relatively small number of illiterate Qatari men system at all levels. Younger generations are spending more and women are concentrated among the older age groups time than older generations in education. For example, and reflect historical differences in education opportunities of Qataris reaching ages 25-29 in 2010, the mean number as well as gender disparities that prevailed when these people of years spent in education was 12 years compared with were of school age. Compared with the Middle East and North 9.3 years among those of the same ages in 2001. Africa average of 15% for men and 30% for women, Qatar’s

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Figure 2.6 Educational attainment of young Qatari women far exceeds that of men, 2010

(%) Qatari Men (%) Qatari Women 100 100

80 Tertiary 80 Tertiary on

ca ti 60 60

l of l edu 40 40 Secondary

Le ve Secondary

20 20

Primary and Below Primary and Below 0 0 20-24 30-34 40-44 50-54 20-24 30-34 40-44 50-54 Age group Age group

Source: QSA (2011a).

Table 2.1 Low levels of iliteracy among Qatari youth (%)

Age group Men Women Total 2001 2004 2010 2001 2004 2010 2001 2004 2010 15–19 1.7 0.8 0.4 1.6 1.5 0.3 1.6 1.1 0.3 20–24 1.2 1.2 0.4 2.0 2.3 0.8 1.6 1.7 0.6 Others 9.2 7.2 3.6 21.3 16.7 10.9 15.3 12.0 7.4 Total 7.0 5.5 2.5 15.7 12.6 7.6 11.4 9.0 5.1

Source: QSA (2002, 2005 and 2011a). rates are low and the country does not show the same gender schooling (grades 10–12) is high. Qatar’s achieving almost imbalance that many other Arab countries do (World Bank universal education can be attributed to several factors, 2008). Illiteracy is thus no longer a priority development including government investment in education infrastructure area for Qatar. and growing realization by Qatari parents of the need for and value of schooling their children. Increasing enrolment and improving learning outcomes Gross enrolment ratios for Qatari nationals are in line The past two decades have seen large increases in school with the Gulf Cooperation Council average for all phases enrolments at primary, preparatory and secondary enrolment of education. Qataris’ gross secondary enrolment ratio for Qatari boys and girls. Most students now attend school is above the Gulf Coopeation Council average (figure 2.7). for the compulsory nine years, and demand for secondary

Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth Qatari enrolments in primary, preparatory and secondary in line with or above GCC Figure 2.7 benchmarks in 2009/2010

(%) (%) 101 101 97 98 98 99 98 100 93 100 93 92 91 90 90 90 88 88 88 82 83

o 79

ti 80 80 te ra ra

ent 60 60 ent m m ol ol

enr 40 40 ss t enr o Ne Gr 20 20

0 0 Primary Preparatory Secondary Primary Preparatory and Secondary

Qatar, male Qatar, female GCC average, male GCC average, female

Note: Gross enrolment ratio is the total number of enrolled students in a given phase of education as a percent of the population in the defined age group for that phase. Net enrolment ratio is the number of enrolled students in the defined age group for a given phase of education as a percent of the population in the same age group. Gulf Cooperation Council averages should be interpreted with caution because of frequent changes in the size and composition of the expatriate population in some countries. Source: UIS (2011); Qatari data computed from QSA (2011e).

But there is a marked gap between the primary/preparatory of primary school students, 99.2% of preparatory school and secondary enrolment ratios mainly because students and 92.8% of secondary school students passed of the almost automatic promotion of children through the final exam in the first or second session (SEC 2011a). the end of preparatory schooling. The net enrolment ratio for Qataris is above the Gulf Cooperation Council average Qatar provides good general education, but is less successful in primary education and comparable in preparatory in providing high-quality learning outcomes, as measured and secondary education. by schooling success rates and national and international assessment results. Students who want to move on to Overall, Qatar has significantly increased secondary tertiary education must often participate in foundation enrolment since 1999 and improved on an already high courses to catch up on topics they have not covered. Many primary enrolment ratio. And participation of boys lack essential skills in English, science and mathematics and girls has been roughly equal at both levels. But the that would enable them to take advantage of a growing substantial differences between net and gross enrolment range of high-quality post-secondary education opportunities. rates reflect a tendency for children older than the defined age group to attend each level of education, suggesting late Student choice of subjects entry to primary school and grade repetition. At a time when Qatar is moving towards developed status economically and when a more diversified economy requires Since the implementation of the Education for a New Era a labour force with wide-ranging skills in science and reforms, primary and preparatory school dropout rates have technology, fewer graduates from secondary schools and the fallen significantly, as students are more easily promoted national university are qualifying in the appropriate subjects to the next grade, at least until the end of compulsory (Said, 2010) (box 2.3). schooling. At the end of the 2009/2010 school year 99.6%

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Box 2.3 Declining student interest in science and mathematics

The declining interest in, and uptake of, science subjects introducing English as a medium for instruction, poor career in secondary school and tertiary education in Qatar has counselling and the weak link between schools, workplace recently reached serious levels leading to the closure of and research centres. There is also the lack of knowledge major science and mathematics programmes at Qatar and understanding of the importance of mathematics and University (the only national university offering such science to every day life, as well as insufficient Qatar role programmes) at a time when the demand for science models in these disciplines. and technology graduates has increased. These skills and qualifications are needed more than ever to supply the In the learning process as a whole, the most effective demand for skilled teachers, scientists, researchers and role is that of the teacher who can markedly influence technologists, and to meet the requirements of advanced students’ desire and interest in science and mathematics. economic and technological development. Students must be motivated and encouraged through a meaningful learning experience that is related to their life Declining interest in mathematics and science in Qatar’s and environment. Successful reforms in mathematics and schools and colleges may be attributed to a combination science teaching require major changes in educational, of interrelated factors, most important of which is the cultural and social values. A new approach is called for. lack of qualified teachers, the complexity associated with Source: Adapted from Said (2010).

Qatar’s education system has curriculum standards in science The results of 2010/2011 relative to the previous two years show and mathematics which are in accordance with international that there has been a significant increase in performance for all standards. Students participate in international tests to assess subjects (figure 2.8). For example, in the science test in 2010/2011, their performance in these two subjects. on average 13% of the students (grade 4-11) meet standards, whereas the corresponding figure in the previous two years, Between 2000/2001 and 2009/2010 the share of school grade 12 was just 1%. It is unclear to what extent the changes reflect real graduates in the science stream in former Ministry of Education increases in performance, or revisions in the levels of the tests. schools declined from 28% to just 8%. Lack of harmonization between the outputs of education and training on the one The Qatar Senior School Certificate is administered annually hand and of labour market needs on the other is a prevailing for students leaving secondary school in Islamic studies, problem that all Arab countries face, despite their differences Arabic language, English as a second language, mathematics, (UNESCWA 2009b). Many private sector occupations show little chemistry, biology and physics. It is based on the curriculum prospect of recruiting youth or more experienced Qatari workers standard for grade 12. The certificate was introduced in who are qualified and willing to work in this sector. A public 2007 and covers all independent schools. In 2010/2011 some service career and the requisite education qualifications have 10,000 students participated (SEC 2011d). Performance varies much greater appeal to many students. by subject and sex (figure 2.9). Student performance was weaker in science subjects and English. Female scores were 20 Student performance on national assessments points higher than male scores. Since 2005 students in grades 4–11 in independent schools have been tested annually in Arabic and English, As a majority of students fail in the Qatar Comprehensive mathematics and science by the Qatar Comprehensive Educational Assessment in grades 4-11, it may be considered Educational Assessment, which evaluates performance surprising that many students perform well on the Qatar relative to the standard curriculum set by the Supreme Senior School certificate assessment. One reason may be that Education Council. The language of testing depends 40% of the certificate results are based on a school-internal on the language of instruction at the school (Rand 2009). assessment, and only 60% are externally evaluated. In 2011 religious studies have been added to these tests. Over time, the results have shown improvement.

Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth Figure 2.8 Student achievement on the 2010/2011 Qatar Comprehensive Educational Assessment test

Arabic English Grade Grade 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 0 20 40 60 80 100% 0 20 40 60 80 100%

Mathematics Science Grade Grade 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 0 20 40 60 80 100% 0 20 40 60 80 100%

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Approaches standards Meets standards Did not meet standards

Source: SEC (2011c).

Female students scored much higher than male students on the 2008/2009 Figure 2.9 Qatar Senior School Certificate

Overall scores Selected subject-specific scores Mean overall score Mathematics Low Satisfactory High 1,000 883.8 Male 42% 46% 12% 862.4 Mean overall score 750 Female 31% 38% 31%

0 20 40 60 80 100 500 Physics Low Satisfactory High

250 Male 36% 28% 36%

Female 28% 22% 50% 0 Female Male 0 20 40 60 80 100

Source: SEC (2009b)

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Student performance on international assessments spent watching television and playing electronic games Qatar’s schools have participated in international tests compared with the study average: these activities to assess student performance against international are assumed to come at the expense of reading. benchmarks. Student performance on international • In the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics assessments2 is similarly below expectations. The and Science Studies, the performance of Qatari students overwhelming majority of students in Qatar are classified was low in mathematics and science in grade 4 and in the lowest performance level on these assessments. somewhat better, though still below the international average in grade 8. • The 2009 Programme for International Student Assessment showed slight improvemets in average proficiency in Girls outperformed boys in all three tests, most notably in 2006 reading, mathematical and scientific literacy over the 2006 and 2009 Programme for International Student Assessment. test among secondary students in Qatar (table 2.2) Gender differences are most pronounced in independent • In the 2007 Progress in International Literacy Study, schools. Qatar has the second highest gender difference in Qatari students in grade 4 scored 353 points, reading achievement (+37 points after Kuwait) (PIRLS 2007). compared with the 40 country average of 500 points. Qatari-born expatriate students outperformed Qatari students, Only Kuwait, Morocco and South Africa scored lower. and the performance gap widened with increasing levels of The study results also show that all students in Qatar, parental education. Foreign-born expatriate students had even particularly boys, report a high number of hours per day higher scores, outperforming Qatari-born expatriates by 40 points and Qataris by 80 points (SEC 2007).

Qatar secondary students’ test results in science and mathematics have improved slightly Table 2.2 but remain below international benchmarks Country Mean score Percentilea Mean score Percentilea 2006 2009 2006 2009 2006 2009 2006 2009 Science Mathematics Finland 563 554 2 3 548 541 4 9 Japan 531 539 11 8 523 529 18 14 Australia 527 527 14 15 520 514 21 23 United Kingdom 515 514 25 25 495 492 42 43 United States 489 502 51 35 474 487 61 48 Italy 475 489 63 54 462 483 67 54 Dubai (United Arab Emirates) -- 466 -- 63 -- 453 -- 63 Thailand 421 425 81 75 417 419 77 77 Jordan 422 415 79 78 384 387 89 86 Qatar 349 379 98 94 318 368 98 95

Note: 57 countries participated in 2006, and 65 countries participated in 2009. a. Percentile values denote the percentage of participating countries that had a higher mean score than that indicated for the given country. Source: OECD, PISA 2009 Database. statLink http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/888932343342. Accessed 30 September 2011

2 The three main international student assessments are the Programme for International Student Assessment, which surveys 15-year-old students in mathematics, science and reading (all school types in Qatar participated for the first time in 2006 and scored the second lowest of 57 countries; the Progress in International Literacy Study, which surveys students in grade 4 (all students in semi-independent, independent and private Arabic schools in Qatar were tested for the first time in 2007 in Arabic and scored the fourth lowest of 40 countries); and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies, which surveys students in grades 4 and 8 in mathematics and science (Qatari schools participated for the first time in 2006 and scored the lowest and second lowest of 70 countries).

Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth Voices of youth: improving primary and secondary education to meet higher education Box 2.4 requirements

Qatar has been blessed with many natural resources. Primary and secondary education institutions need to However, there is no resource as significant as the keep pace with the accelerated national and international knowledge and education of Qatar’s people–its human developments in higher education. Programmes, such capital. Thus investing in human resources by building as Qatar University’s Foundation Programme and Qatar a world-accredited and world-renowned education system Foundation's Academic Bridge Programme, do help is a national goal. address this problem by bridging the admission gap. However, I believe that much more work can be done So far much of the focus has been on higher education, at the primary and secondary levels. and Qatar’s new higher education institutions have produced bright and ambitious professionals and As Qatar’s labour market becomes more competitive scholars. Yet I believe that a greater segment of Qatari and complex, and as university graduates continue to youth than is currently the case should utilize higher be in high demand, we should make sure that nobody is educational resources and reap their benefits. To achieve left behind due to low primary and secondary education this, greater focus needs to be given to preparing children achievements. If we do there will be a socioeconomic at primary and secondary school. divide. In many countries that are not as resource rich as Qatar, such social divides appear inevitable. While participating in university-sponsored programmes that bring together middle school or high school students, While more school reforms could be one solution, I have noticed that there is a divide between the strengths grassroots initiatives are also necessary to change the of students attending private schools compared with those educational culture. University students with stronger in public schools. While higher education institutions educational backgrounds have a part to play and could be continue to strengthen and raise standards, it seems as involved in strengthening the education culture. Initiatives though public sector primary and secondary education could include summer programmes, conferences, expanded institutions are stagnating. They are not producing extracurricular activities, public classes or lectures, sufficient students that meet the requirements for community service projects that use human resources from admission to higher education and who will be able to all schools and more intra-Qatar competitions. excel at university. Source: Adapted from discussions with Georgetown University School of Foreign Service–Qatar students (2011).

Access to tertiary education Consequently the share of Qatari tertiary students at Qatar With the rapid growth in private universities and technical University has fallen from 80% in 2005/2006 to 65% in colleges, Qatari youth now have more tertiary education 2009/2010 (table 2.3). choices. As expected, this has led to changes in the pattern of tertiary enrolment. While most Qatari post-secondary The enrolment pattern in tertiary education among Qatari students who continue their education go to Qatar University, men and women differs markedly (table 2.4). Most Qatari increasing numbers are being enrolled in private universities, men (56%) enrol in technical colleges. By contrast, far more up from 260 students in 2005/2006 to 800 in 2009/2010, Qatari women (81%) enrol in Qatar University; only a few opt and technical colleges, up from 1,200 to 2,050. for technical college.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report The share of Qatari tertiary students who go to private universities and techinical colleges Table 2.3 is increasing (%)

Year Qatar University Private universities Technical colleges Total (number) 2005/2006 79.8 3.5 16.7 100 (7,450) 2006/2007 74.6 5.2 20.2 100 (7,780) 2006/2008 70.0 7.1 22.9 100 (8,240) 2008/2009 68.7 8.3 23.0 100 (8,150) 2009/2010 65.4 9.6 25.0 100 (8,220) Average annual change, 2005/2006 to 2009/2010 (%) -2.5 31.5 13.3 2.5

Source: QSA (2011e).

Among Qatari tertiary students, boys prefer technical colleges and girls universities, Table 2.4 2009/2010 (%)

Qatar University Private universities Technical colleges Total (number) Men 35 9 56 100 (2,740) Women 81 10 9 100 (5,480) Total 65 10 25 100 (8,220)

Source: QSA (2011e).

Tertiary education levels The number of Qatari youth obtaining Supreme Education While secondary school enrolments have increased Council scholarships for tertiary and higher education both substantially over the last decade, tertiary enrolment locally and overseas is steadily increasing (figure 2.11). levels remain low and there is a substantial gender gap. Gross tertiary enrolment ratios are 50% for women and There are also opportunities for postgraduate studies abroad 27% for men in 2010. The low Qatari tertiary enrolment for young Qataris, especially for men. Some 126 Qatari students ratios reflect low performance levels at the secondary level, (83 men and 43 women) obtained external scholarships for high dropout rates from foundation programmes and a undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the 2010/2011 perceived lack of incentives for young people to invest academic year. The United Kingdom, United States and Canada time in higher education. Qatari tertiary enrolment rates are the top three countries receiving Qatari students. Engineering compare unfavourably with those for selected OECD countries (37.3%), business administration (31.0%) and the social sciences (figure 2.10). However, a substantial number of Qataris (7.9%) attracted the most Qatari students in 2010/2011. A study (predominantly boys) are undertaking tertiary education at Qatar University that tracked the 2004/05 cohort of newly overseas, estimated at around 1,000–1,500 in 2010. These enrolled Qatari students found that 45% dropped out within four students are excluded in the estimates given in figure 2.10. years, compared with the OECD average of 38%.

Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth Figure 2.10 Tertiary enrolment is especially low among Qatari men

Men (%) Women (%) 99 100 100 92

80 80 72 74 68 66 62 59 56 60 55 53 60 49 50

40 40 27

20 20

Gross tentiary enrolment ratio, 2009/2010 0 0 France Canada Norway France Canada Norway Qataris Ireland Belgium New Qataris Ireland Belgium New Zealand Zealand

Source: QSA (2010a and 2011e), UIS (2011).

Increasing numbers of Qataris age 15–24 are obtaining scholarships for local and overseas Figure 2.11 tertiary studies

Men Women 350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011

Source: Al Kuwari (2011).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Figure 2.12 Declining proportions of Qatari students are accepted to Qatar University

2,500 2,143 ts 2,007 2,067 2,061 2,000 Aceptances uden 1,545 1,588 Rejections 1,500

Qatari st 81% 85% 80% of 90% 1,000 er 89% 96% mb

Nu 500

15% 20% 19% 11% 10% 0 4% 2004/2005 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010

Source: QU (2011).

The acceptance rate of Qatari students to Qatar University Many Qatari students fail to meet entry requirements for direct has been declining over the past five years from 96% in admission into an undergraduate programme at Qatar University 2004/2005 to 81% in 2009/2010 (figure 2.12). Of admitted (which accounts for the majority of university enrolments). students, only 6% gain direct entry into an undergraduate Students need to achieve minimum standards in English (Test programme; the rest spend at least one year in the Foundation of English as a Foreign Language), mathematics (SAT, ACT) and Programme. One reason for the decline in the acceptance computer skills (Internet and Computer Core Certificate). If they rate is that the university raised entry requirements to ensure are unable to do so, they can be admitted to Qatar University’s course completion. Complementary reforms of the K-12 system Foundation Programme. The low proportion of students gaining should in the future lead to students being able to meet those direct admission indicates the inadequate level of K-12 student requirements, but the education system is still in transition. preparedness for university education.

Until recently, K-12 teaching methods focused primarily on Since the Qatar University reforms, the number of memorization rather than critical thinking and analysis. Most graduates in engineering has increased. However, in 2010 classes were taught in Arabic, while lectures at university 39% graduated with specializations that do not cater to were taught in English. Streaming practices forced students to knowledge-based economy industries, a higher figure than choose either an arts or a mathematics/sciences curriculum, in OECD countries (figure 2.13). Qatar’s future economic making it difficult for some secondary graduates to pursue success will require more knowledge-based economy their desired higher education qualification. While these graduates. Reforms at Qatar University and initiatives of Qatar issues have been addressed in the K-12 reforms and in the Foundation are helping meet these needs. Graduates from National Development Strategy 2011-2016, the effects may the Education City universities are much more concentrated not be evident for some years. in knowledge-based economy subjects.

Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth About 39% of Qatar University graduates with non-knowledge-based economy Figure 2.13 specializations, 2009/2010

Knowledge-based economy industries and specialisation % of graduates 100 Physical sciences 5 6 4 3 According to OECD, the following industries 9 6 4 5 4 Math and computing are considered part of a knowledge-based 6 economy: 80 Social sciences, – High and medium-technology manufacturing 29 28 33 36 business, – Finance 35 law and services – Insurance 60 – Telecommunication 8 Engineering, – Business services 21 23 12 manufacturing 9 – Health and construction 40 4 – Higher Education 25 9 14 Health and welfare 20 Specialisations that cater to these industries at a university are: 20 39 Non-knowledge – Sciences 29 26 27 based-economy 21 – Business and economics – Engineering 0 – Law Finland Republic Norway United Qatar – Pharmacy and medicine of Korea Kingdom University – Higher Education 2009/2010

Source: OECD (2011b) and QSA (2011e).

Economic return to education

Experiences and skills acquired in school are influential (assuming that existing wage rates and employment throughout life and not just through higher earnings. opportunities remain constant over time; Bennell 1996). Nonmonetary returns include better decisions about social Given that education at all levels is free to Qataris, the rate responsibility; improved attitudes towards health, marriage of return is simply the percent increase in lifetime earnings and parenting; enhanced civic participation; and more (including allowances for housing, transportation and leave openness to reforms. Nonetheless the economic return entitlements for sickness, maternity and pension benefits). to education is an important dimension of schooling choice, The only cost of schooling is the income foregone when both for government and for individuals themselves. at school–the opportunity cost of education.

An econometric analysis undertaken by the Department The findings summarized in table 2.5 indicate that: of Social Development examined the relationship between • The returns to schooling are higher for men education and labour market outcomes (box 2.5). The analysis than for women. based on the Qatar Statistics Authority’s 2006/2007 Household • The rates of return for women are of the same order of Income and Expenditure Survey asked: “By how much will magnitude at the primary, intermediate and secondary income be expected to rise as a result of one more year education levels. of formal schooling?”. • The marginal rate of return to one more year of higher education is significantly higher than other rates of return. The rate of return is defined as the percent increase in • Schooling raises the probability that Qatari women lifetime net income (less education costs) that can be will work and raises their incomes if they do work. expected to follow from one more year of schooling

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Box 2.5 Return to schooling

In his survey of the effects of education on earnings, the return to which is the additional income David Card (1999) wrote: “Hundreds of studies in many that the educated individual will enjoy. different countries and time periods have confirmed that better-educated individuals earn higher wages than their The rate of return to the individual is the additional less-educated counterparts”. This additional income can income earned due to one more year’s schooling be viewed as a return to the schooling investment. expressed as a percentage of the income foregone during the year spent at school. The economic decision Each additional year of schooling incurs two costs to continue in formal education beyond secondary level to the individual: direct costs (like schooling fees, etc.) hinges on the answer to this question: is the expected and the opportunity cost–the income foregone during additional income worth the loss of income that would the schooling period. The indirect costs are substantially otherwise have been received? The international evidence greater than the direct costs, and when the state provides from highly developed nations suggests that this will free education (as in Qatar), the only cost relevant to the almost certainly be the case. schooling decision is the income foregone. Education can Source: GSDP (2011) thus be viewed as an investment of the earnings forgone,

Table 2.5 Benchmark marginal rates of return for Qataris (%)

Educational level Men Women Primary (6 years)a 0.7 Intermediate (9 years) 3.1 2.5 Secondary (12 years) 5.2 Diploma (14 years)b 13.8 14.6 University (16 years)b 10.8 8.7

Note: Data are adjusted for self-selection and may be interpreted to mean the percentage increase in extra lifetime income earned as a result of one more year of schooling at the given level. a. Accumulated years of schooling. b. As compared with income at the secondary level. Source: QSA (2008a).

The rates of return to university education are high, especially Rates of return for women are a little lower than those for Qatari men, and justify an aggressive policy to encourage for men. This may be a labour market response to the the continuation of education beyond secondary schooling, substantially larger number of women progressing to higher although returns will vary depending on the course followed. education or possibly wage discrimination. In addition, The low male continuation rates to higher education suggest some alternative means of income generation open to Qatari a lack of appreciation of the potential economic returns men may not be available to women, such as sponsorship (as well as noneconomic returns). Raising awareness of the businesses managed by non-Qataris. Women with higher benefits of continuing education beyond the secondary level schooling levels are more likely to work. Promoting higher could boost tertiary enrolment rates. education for women will raise both their labour force participation rates and their incomes when employed.

Building Knowledge and Developing the Skills of Qatari Youth Conclusion

Qatar’s education and training system aims to prepare Some are ill-prepared to participate in the labour force young people for success in a world of increasingly complex because their qualifications are in low demand and they lack requirements, serving as a vehicle for social and economic soft skills. Informed career advice will improve preparation transformation. Educational outcomes are linked closely of young Qataris for employment. It is also crucial to provide to demographic behaviour, such as age at first marriage more technical and vocational pathways to employment, and fertility levels, labour force participation and health. It especially for those students who are not academically offers young Qataris opportunities to realize their intellectual oriented or unable to meet the admission criteria of potential, develop their abilities and follow their aspirations universities. Feedback mechanisms between higher education and interests. The evolving system must also aim to motivate institutions and K-12 institutions and students are required, Qataris to use their knowledge and skills to compete in an and declining enrolment in science and mathematics needs increasingly borderless and cross-cultural world. It needs to to be reversed, especially at the tertiary level, to better fulfil encourage them in analytical and critical thinking, creativity the needs of knowledge-based economy industries. and innovation. Most programmes at Qatar University are now internationally Aiming to achieve world-class standards, Qatar has made accredited and Qatar University graduates are increasingly substantial investments to modernize its entire education sought after by employers. A positive development in system. Multiple opportunities now exist for young Qataris university education has been the increasing proportion and the quantity of education inputs is high. But education of Qatar University graduates studying engineering courses. performance of Qatari students, as measured through Another is the growing proportion of Qatari undergraduates examination results, is not progressing at a commensurate studying at Education City universities, although the figure pace, despite a decade of reforms. is still low. In both Qatar Univerity and Education City universities, there has been a deepening of a research culture Below the tertiary level, Qatari education performance including international partnerships, with the research is linked to the quality of education provision and to the focus more aligned to the needs of national development, motivation of students. Well qualified teachers who can including entreuprenial development. inspire young people to take advantage of the outstanding education opportunities provided for them need to be With Qatar’s education and training system becoming hired, incentivized and given opportunities for continued ever-more complex, a comprehensive education information professional development. A national curriculum setting system is required to facilitate decision-making at all levels, as out the steps required to meet the established standards well as for planning, monitoring and research. While there have with detailed guidance for teachers needs to be put in place. been some improvements in the availability of data as part of the ongoing educational reforms, Qatar lacks a model for Measures are required to retain all youth in education collecting, analysing and disseminating education data that can once they have completed their nine years of compulsory be used across all phases and institutions. There is thus a need schooling. The dropouts rate at the secondary level remains for an education information system that integrates data at all high, especially among boys. The low male continuation rates levels, as well as longitudinally. Ready access to such data would to higher education suggest a lack of appreciation of the increase accountability and support evidence-based policy- potential economic and social returns that can be achieved. making that advances the development of the education sector. Targeted media campaigns aimed at students and parents, emphasizing the benefits of a university and other forms Qatar will not be able to improve significantly its relative of post-secondary education and training, especially standing in relation to other countries in the United Nations for Qatari men, should help encourage them to remain Development Programme’s Human Development Index in education beyond the secondary level. without significant improvements in education performance. Nor will the huge potential for Qatari youth to play a more On account of the challenges confronting the K-12 prominent role in Qatar’s development be realized without system, Qatari students are struggling to attain the entry their attaining relevant education qualifications and soft requirements to gain access to a higher education, skills, such as good communication and team working and many who are admitted fail to complete a degree course. abilities–a topic explored further in chapter 3.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth

Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) foresees that in the transition towards a knowledge- based economy, “Future economic success will depend increasingly on the ability of the Qatari people to deal with an international order that is knowledge-based and extremely competitive.” To achieve this objective, QNV 2030 states that “Qatar will strive to increase the effective labour force participation of its citizens.”

Qatar National Vision 2030

A key function of education systems is to adequately prepare an appropriate policy and institutional environment. Unlike young people for work by acquiring the knowledge and skills many countries in the region, Qatar has ample and attractive to compete effectively in the labour market and the motivation employment opportunities for young people (box 3.1). But and self-confidence to take full advantage of life opportunities. capabilities do not always match opportunities. Effectively managing the transition to working life requires

Creating jobs for young people and matching their skills with needs of the labour market Box 3.1 are regional issues

Arab countries are at a demographic turning point. Arab youth face many challenges, most notably the Many countries in the region are reaching the peak mismatch of educational attainments and the skills of their “youth bulge,” meaning that the share of young needed in the labour market. Developments in knowledge people in the country’s population will soon begin to and technology, imposed by rapid globalization, have decrease. At the same time, young people in the region reduced demand for university and higher-level graduates continue to account for a large share of the population in some Arab countries. Further, the distribution of and face the persistent challenges of high unemployment sepcializations is unbalanced, with too many students and increasing underemployment. specializing in the humanities and social and education sciences rather than in the natural sciences. Less than 30% According to estimates from the United Nations of students are enrolled in scientific disciplines. Development Programme and the League of Arab States, Arab youth have to reconsider their marketable skills the region’s economies will need to create around 51 and make every effort to enhance those skills, million jobs by 2020 to meet the demand of those especially in information and communications technology. currently unemployed and those entering the labour Source: Adapted from Al Ansari (2011). force. A significant proportion of these jobs will be needed for young people over the next decade (UNDP 2010a). Figure 3.1 Qatar outperforms Gulf Cooperation Council countries in all three Sitatech domains, 2010

M indset A ccess Policy

90 84 82 80 79 78

s 77

ce 74 71 de 71 71 71

in 70

ch

te 63 60 61

Sita 60 58 58

50

Qatar United Arab Bahrain Kuwait Saudi Arabia Emirates

Source: Gallup (2011).

Silatech, a social enterprise founded in 2008 and chaired by Like many countries in the region, Qatar’s labour force Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, has comprises mainly foreign expatriates, reflecting the scale of the proposed a framework for assessing young people’s views economy relative to the small Qatari population. Of the total on labour market challenges (see chapter 5). The framework Qatari population, some 60% (146,300) are in the employable includes an index covering three domains–mindset, access age range (ages 18 and older), but only 51% (74,100) of those and policy–measured through national youth surveys. The people are economically active (QSA 2011a). The rapid economic results help guide new country initiatives for job creation. The development of Qatar, especially over the past decade, 2010 survey results showed that Qatar outperforms other Gulf combined with an open-door policy for foreign labour, has Cooperation Council countries in all three domains (figure 3.1). resulted in a dramatic increase in the population (figure 3.2). Young Qataris gave positive assessments of the economy and In addition to massive growth in hydrocarbons, construction, expressed satisfaction with efforts to increase the number transport and communications, trade, and services has all seen and quality of jobs. Conversely, there was a slight decline in rapid growth, further boosting demand for labour. Qatar’s score on the mindset index due largely to declining satisfaction with the education system (Gallup 2011). Population growth is both an enabler and a driver of economic growth. Growing Qatar’s economy, based on the exploitation of natural resources, required increasing the Qataris in the labour market labour force by more than the natural population increase. Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) promotes increased The non-Qatari labour being used to fill the gap in turn and diversified participation of Qataris in the labour force. created additional demand for goods and services that further However, the number of Qataris exiting the education system, contributes to economic growth. 3,000–3,500 a year, is insufficient to meet the needs of the rapidly growing economy. Qataris are underrepresented in the private sector, including in professional and senior managerial positions.

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Figure 3.2 GDP and population grew rapidly between 2000 and 2010

GDP Growth Population Growth (%) (%) 25 25

ng ng 20.6 vi 20 20 th

18.2 ow mo

gr ) 17.2 15.9 16.6 es ear

15.4 on ic ti -y 15 15 pr three , , 2004 2004 10.6 popula

10.5 (% 10 10 ge, ual ual th a n er ow

6.5 An

av 5.6

Gr 4.7

P P 5 5 GD

0 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Source: QSA (2011a).

Figure 3.3 Qataris comprise just 6% of the total labour force

1,400 1,265 1,276 1,277 1,172 1,200 6% 6% 6% Qatari 6% Non-Qatari 1,000 832

thousands) 800 8% e ( rc

fo 600 536 94% 94% 94% 94% 444 11% 400 323 12% Labou r 92% 14% 89% 200 88% 86% 0 2001 2004 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Sources: Computed from QSA (2005, 2011a and 2011h).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report The demand for labour far outpaced growth in the Qatari One downside of the openness to low-skilled foreign workers working-age population. Rapid economic expansion over coming into Qatar is depressed labour productivity. Another is the period 2001–2011 was accompanied by 15% growth in insufficient investment in automation and technology, which the non-Qatari labour force, compared with 5% in the Qatari encourages a low-wage private sector. labour force. This resulted in a steep decline in the Qatari share in the labour force, from 14% in 2001 to 6% in 2011. Qatari youth employment by sector and occupation There were around 1.2 million non-Qatari workers in Qatar in Almost 9 in 10 Qataris are employed in the public sector, 2011 (figure 3.3). with 71% working for government departments and 16% working for government-owned companies and corporations Given the limited size of Qatar’s domestic population relative such as Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Telecoms. Most young to its economy, rapidly introducing excessively strict limits employed Qatari men (68% of those ages 20–24) and women on access to foreign labour would have serious consequences (48% of those ages 20–24) are in public administration for the economy and for Qatari’s living standards. One strategy (table 3.1). Many also occupy positions in education, health, to increase the proportion of Qataris in the labour force and social work and financial intermediation. Of workers ages their influence over the economy is to increase aggregate 15–19, some 10% of men and 3% of women are employed labour productivity by diversifying into higher productivity in mining and quarrying. economic activities and promoting capital investment and greater use of higher skilled labour. Another is to equip Qatari workers with the skills required to attain their maximum potential in both the public and private labour markets.

The share of young Qataris in public sector employment is higher for men than for women, Table 3.1 2010 (%)

Men Women Sector 15–19 20–24 25 and older 15–19 20–24 25 and older Mining and quarrying 10.1 12.1 8.6 2.9 6.6 2.2 Manufacturing 0.2 1.5 1.6 0.0 0.3 0.2 Electricity, gas and water 3.4 3.1 2.9 1.2 2.2 0.8 Public administration 73.2 67.9 61.5 54.9 47.8 47.0 Education 2.6 1.3 3.9 16.9 14.6 28.1 Health and social work 1.7 1.3 2.6 5.6 6.2 9.5 Financial intermediation 2.1 3.9 2.2 12.1 11.4 3.9 Wholesale and retail trade 2.0 2.1 3.4 3.1 2.1 1.2 Information and communication 2.3 2.7 3.6 1.6 3.6 2.4 Others 2.4 4.1 9.7 1.7 5.2 4.7

Source: QSA (2010a).

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Box 3.2 Exploring career options: a predisposition towards the public sector

The legacy of public sector employment in Qatar means sector, but public sector jobs offer limited hours that the working parents of today’s youth are nearly (often allowing public sector employees to manage all public employees. As such when young people are other business interests after work hours), job security, exploring career options, they have few role models or predictable salary increases that are not necessarily tied examples of family members who have worked in the to job performance and access to the public sector private sector. The advice and pressure those young pension scheme. With the ability to retire as early people receive from family steer them towards public as age 40, young people have an important incentive sector employment. to choose public sector employment.

The choices of youth are steered by logical economic Source: Al Ansari (2011). decisions. Not only are wages often better in the public

Qataris have more ready access to public sector jobs than Quotas are rarely applied in the private sector because to private sector jobs, with strict limits on competition from there are not enough Qataris with the required skills entering non-Qataris (box 3.2). The 2009 Law of Human Resources the labour market each year and willing to work in the sector. Administration (Article 14) requires that Qataris be given The Ministry of Labour has a programme with more than 64 preference in government department and ministry hiring companies to identify their needs for the Qatari workforce. decisions. The perception is that education requirements However, quotas can create a sense of entitlement, particularly in the public sector are low, reducing the incentive for among graduates who have limited information about the Qataris to pursue tertiary education. A 2007 RAND survey labour market, and perverse incentives by employers to hire found that 65% of Qatari high school students who were not Qataris without fully informing them of the job they are contemplating tertiary education were inclined towards public accepting and the skills required (Bunglawala 2011). sector jobs, compared to 57% of all students. However, since the 2009 law came into effect, public sector employment Labour force participation increasingly requires that Qataris meet the education The Qatari labour force grew almost 5% a year over requirements in job descriptions. The few young Qataris 2001–2011, and the Qatari labour force participation rate graduating from Education City universities are in great rose from 46% to 49%. However, this increase was attributable demand and can readily find employment in government- entirely to the growing participation of young Qatari women owned companies or in the private sector, where salaries for in the labour force. Women are helping to meet the highly educated graduates exceed those in the public sector. ever-growing demand for skilled workers and the increase is consistent with their rising educational attainment. In 2010 some 88% of Qatari youth were employed in skilled Women are now better represented in the labour market, or highly skilled occupations, compared with 21% of non- and exhibit a strong preference for jobs in the public sector Qatari youth (table 3.2). Just 12% of Qatari youth were in where working conditions and working hours are more semi-skilled or unskilled occupations. In the private and attractive (Hadi 2011). Labour force participation rates mixed sectors almost all young Qataris were in highly skilled increase with age plateauing around 25, as young people or skilled occupations, and none in unskilled occupations. exit the education system (figure 3.4). Only the public sector has a significant proportion of young Qataris, in semi-skilled and unskilled occupations. Qataris account for 70% of youth employment in the public sector, compared with less than 1% in the private sector.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Table 3.2 Most Qatari youth are in skilled or highly skilled employment, 2010 (%)

Sector Skill level Government Government–owned Mixed Private Total corporation Qatari Highly skilled 29 51 61 52 36 Skilled 57 40 34 44 52 Semi-skilled 2 6 5 3 3 Unskilled 12 3 0 1 9 Total 100 100 100 100 100

Non-Qatari Highly skilled 24 16 7 5 6 Skilled 38 46 45 13 15 Semi-skilled 6 16 40 55 52 Unskilled 32 22 8 27 27 Total 100 100 100 100 100

Qatari’s share of total youth employment Highly skilled 73.8 77.1 68.3 7.8 35.8 Skilled 77.8 48.3 16.5 2.7 23.6 Semi-skilled 40.4 28.8 3.2 0.1 0.5 Unskilled 48.3 13.6 1.3 0.0 3.0 Total 70.1 51.9 20.7 0.8 8.3

Note: Highly skilled occupations include legislators, senior officials and managers; professionals; and technicians and associate professionals. Skilled occupations include clerks; service workers and shop and market sales workers; and skilled agricultural and fishery workers. Semi-skilled occupations include craft and related trades workers and plant and machine operators and assemblers. Unskilled occupations include elementary occupations. Source: QSA (2011a).

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Figure 3.4 Rising labour force participation rate among Qatari women ages 20–24

(%) Ages 15 and older (%) A ges 15–19 80 80 Women Men te

ra 60 60 i on 40 i pat 40 ic rt

Pa 20 20

0 0 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

(%) A ges 20–24 (%) A ges 25 and older 80 80 te

ra 60 60 n io at

ip 40 40 ic rt

Pa 20 20

0 0 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

Source: QSA (2011a) and LFS (various years).

Levels and changes in participation rates at young working rates for women were already high in 2001 and continued ages are determined mainly by changes in education to increase, though not as much as for men (see chapter 2). enrolment patterns (box 3.3). A decline in male participation Consequently, labour force participation rates for women since 2001 is strongly evident for the 15–19 and 20–24 age remained low and static in the 15–19 age groups, when most groups and almost certainly reflects increases in what were women were still in the education system, but increased relatively low enrolment rates for men in the post-primary substantially in the 20–24 age group and, to a lesser extent, in education and training systems. However, youth enrolment the 25 and older age group.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Box 3.3 Factors influencing labour force participation of Qatari youth: odds ratio analysis

Logistic regression provides a useful means of estimating influence young Qatari male labour force participation the effects of social and economic factors (such as age, much more than young Qatari female labour force marital status and education) on Qatari youth labour participation. Young married Qatari men are much more force participation. The magnitude of particular factors’ likely to be in the labour force than are young single influence can be shown through odds ratios. The ratio Qatari men with an odds ratio of 6.5 to 1. But being of being in the labour force to that of not being in married is more likely to keep young Qatari women out the labour force is defined as the odds. The odds for a of the labour force. Qatari youth with higher education, particular group, compared with the corresponding odds especially women, tend to participate more in the labour of a reference group, taken here as those who are single force. The age variable is more reflective of young people’s with a below-secondary education, is the odds ratio. need for school enrolment. The results show that the odds increase by a factor of 58 for each year, but the increase is The pattern of determinants of youth labour force less as the age for young Qatari men rises. youth participation differ by sex. Age and marital status

Results of odds ratio analysis for Qatari youth, 2004 and 2010 Variable Men Women Age 57.64 1.79 Age-squared 0.92 0.99 Married 6.49 0.46 Divorced 3.30 1.51 Widow 14.51 1.03 Secondary 0.69 3.81 Teritary 1.33 20.80 Year 2010 compared with 2004 0.96 1.10 R-squared 0.54 0.51

Note: Reference group is single with below secondary education. Source: Computed from QSA (2005 and 2011a).

Trends in youth labour force can be assessed in relation Participation rates for Qatari youth, especially for women, to those for all people ages 15 and older. Overall the male are substantially lower than those in some advanced labour force participation rate remained constant over countries (table 3.4), and cannot be explained by skill 2001–2011. Unlike for other years, the 2010 participation differentials. This reflects the high female enrolment rates rate is derived from the Census which may explain the jump in Qatar. In many countries young men and women ages between 2009 and 2010. By comparison, female labour force 15–19 leave school to gain an independent source of income participation increased markedly from 27.4% to 34.1% (table or contribute to overall household expenses. 3.3). Non-participation rates differ between men and women because of the higher proportion of female homemakers.

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Qatari female labour force participation rates rose markedly over 2001–2008 but appear Table 3.3 to have stabilized since then (%) Men Women Labour force Non-labour force Labour force Non-labour force Year Student Others Student Others 2001 66.1 19.7 14.2 27.4 28.6 44.0 2006 65.1 20.9 14.0 33.6 23.6 42.8 2007 64.7 21.5 13.8 34.6 22.9 42.5 2008 63.1 22.0 14.9 36.3 23.3 40.4 2009 62.8 22.7 14.5 36.0 23.3 40.7 2010 65.7 20.5 13.8 36.3 20.5 43.2 2011 63.6 21.5 14.9 34.1 24.8 41.2

Source: QSA (2011a, 2011h) and LFS (various years).

Labour force participation rates of young Qataris are below those of young people Table 3.4 in benchmark countries

Labour force participation rate (%) Gender Age group Qataris, 2011 Average of eight advanced countriesa Men 15–19 13.4 31.1 20–24 69.9 74.1 25 and older 75.9 73.7 Women 15–19 3.0 30.5 20–24 38.0 68.7 25 and older 41.7 56.8

Note: a. France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. Source: QSA (2011h) and ILO (2009).

Gender gap in salaries the labour force. It is too soon to determine the extent to Salaries of female Qataris are lower than those of male which the 2009 Law of Human Resources Administration, Qataris at all ages, a disparity that grows with age (table 3.5). which legislates for equal salaries, is reducing gender gaps. Having tertiary education helps to reduce the differential, but at older working ages the average male salary remains Youth unemployment about 50%-60% more than the average female salary. Unemployment in Qatar was low leading up to 2011. Qualitative studies suggest that wages are less important The overall unemployment rates for Qataris was 4.1% in 2010 to young women than to young men in deciding to enter and 3.9% in 2011, compared with 11.6% in 2001 (figure 3.5).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Table 3.5 Gender gap in Qatari salaries, 2011 (QR thousands)

Age group Gender 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–49 50–54 55–59 Men 180 213 252 271 289 310 330 313 Women 152 171 181 192 218 201 209 215 Ratio of Men to Women 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.5 1.6 1.5

Source: QSA (2011h).

Figure 3.5 Unemployment rates are low overall but relatively higher among young Qatari women

a (%) A ges 15 and older (%) A ges 15–19 80 80

e Women rat

60 Men 60 nt Total me

oy 40 40 pl em 20 20 Un

0 0 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

(%) A ges 20–24 (%) A ges 25 and older 80 80 te

ra 60 60 nt me 40 40 oy pl

nem 20 20 U

0 0 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

Note: a. Based on very small numbers, mostly first time job seekers. Source: QSA (2005, 2011a) and LFS (various years).

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Unemployment was concentrated among the young, The skill levels of unemployed Qatari youth are revealed first-time job-seekers, with 37% of the unemployed under through their education levels (figure 3.6). Some 44% of age 25 in 2011. Unemployment rates are higher for women unemployed youth have only secondary education, and than for men across all age groups. 72% of the unemployed 34% have just preparatory or below. There are relatively few are women, and nearly a third of the unemployed are unemployed tertiary education graduates, and all are women. women under 25 (figure 3.5). Inadequate skills, inappropriate qualifications and a lack of previous work experience are frequently cited as the main causes (box 3.4). There is virtually no unemployment of non-Qataris, because they must be sponsored by employers to obtain work and reside in Qatar.

Box 3.4 Voice of youth: training and guidance for the world of work

As a young person, I feel that I am more vulnerable We also need practical training, including soft skills, to to unemployment than older pople are. I perceive a prepare us for the competitive and performance-driven gap between the skills of graduates and the needs of environment of the world of work. The higher the level of employers. For the skills of young Qataris to be more youth participation in practical training programmes, the relevant for the labour market, there must be stronger easier the transition between university and work. partnerships between education institutions, business, industry and youth. We need vocational guidance. Source: Adapted from an Essay by Elham Al-Naqeb (2011).

Figure 3.6 Of the 1,137 Qatari youth unemployed in 2011, just over half have only secondary education

Men Women Total 1,200 1137 174 142 208 1,000 269

h 32 112 ut Total yo 800 96 500 15 ed oy

pl 600 485 868 unem 400 Total of 255

ber 200 m 255 Nu 0 Total Primary and below Preparatory Secondary Tertiary

Percent of total 15.3% 18.3% 44.0% 22.4%

Source: Computed from QSA (2011a).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Reasons why Qataris are reluctant to work in the private sector differ between men and Figure 3.7 women, 2011

Unemployed Qataris stating reason for not working in the private sector (%) 100 22 Social status 36 80 Low wage 20 Hours and timings of work 60 English Proficiency 25 14 Lack of retirement benefits 4 40 7 Mixed work environment 21 Others 20 29 10 4 0 4 4 Men Women

Source: QSA (2011h).

Data from the 2011 Labour Force Survey indicate that many unemployment before their present jobs. For the unemployed unemployed Qataris were reluctant to seek private sector the durations of their unemployment are censored or employment. The reasons differed between men and women incomplete because they have not yet found a job. This has (figure 3.7). For Qatari men, the main concerns were social been taken into account in the survey, and both types of data status, lower wages and longer working hours. For Qatari are used to compute the likelihood that the actual durations women similar reasons were given, except that working of unemployment are longer than those reported. in a mixed environment was seen as a major deterent. The likelihood that the duration of unemployment is Evidence from a small focus group study conducted by longer than five months is 0.56 for young men and 0.62 the General Secretariat for Development Planning and the for young women (table 3.6). The likelihood of a duration Ministry of Labour in early 2009 confirmed the role of social of five months or longer is higher for women, and gender and cultural factors in young women’s decisions not to take up differentials increase with duration. That women tend to available job opportunities. Female participants reported that take longer to find employment explains the country’s their families do not object to their working in government higher female unemployment rates. agencies, where conditions of service are conducive to their cultural requirements, but that they would not be comfortable Approaches to seeking work working in small, privately owned companies. While unemployment in Qatar is exceptionally low, it remains a problem among first-time job seekers. The transition to work Duration of unemployment has important implications for youth development; thus it is Long spells of unemployment, especially for young people, important to assess the types of policies that can best assist can be detrimental to human capital. They run down the them in this transition. A useful input for policy formulation stock of on-the-job skills and create an employment history is the methods of searching for employment and the extent that is disadvantageous for securing work. Data on duration and types of labour market intermediaries used by those of unemployment for the employed and the unemployed seeking work. The main role of such intermediaries is to bring are collected in the Qatar Statistics Authority’s Labour Force together employers and the unemployed. Most Qataris prefer Surveys. For the currently employed the information relates to to seek employment instead of being self-employed.

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Table 3.6 Likelihood of longer unemployment duration among Qatari youth high for women, 2008

Likelihood that unemployment duration is longer than that shown in first column Duration (months) Men Women Female-male ratio 1.5 1.00 1.00 1.00 5 0.56 0.62 1.11 8 0.26 0.34 1.30 11 0.12 0.23 2.00 14 0.06 0.12 2.19 17 0.05 0.11 2.39 21 0.04 0.08 2.04 24 and longer 0.05 0.14 2.80

Source: QSA (2009a).

The most popular approach to finding work is registering As might be expected, these preferences indicate that at the Ministry of Labour’s Manpower Planning Unit. unemployed Qataris depend largely on public sector labour All age groups favour registration at the Labour Department. market intermediaries to find work (figure 3.8).

Figure 3.8 Methods of finding work among young unemployed Qataris, 2011

(%) 100 Registration at Manpower Planning Unit 30 27 28 80 Registration at Labour

rk Department

wo 13 12 11 Follow-up with office where ng 60 registered eki 18

se 20 23 Application to employers 40 15 16 Advertising in daily newspaper 18 2 2 Methods of 20 10 1 9 7 Application for loans to start 15 own business 10 13 0 Other methods 20–24 25 and older Total

Note: Each respondent was given a maximum of three choices. Source: QSA (2009h)

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Youth seeking Ministry of Labour support in job placement is highest among secondary Table 3.7 school graduates Number of youth employment applicants Education level 2007 2008 2009 2010 Primary and below 139 319 182 185 Preparatory 88 133 102 109 Secondary 1,078 2,119 3,312 2,386 Tertiary 42 136 270 264 Totala 1,347 2,707 3,866 2,944

Note: a. Excludes a small number of cases where the education level is unknown. Source: MOL (2011).

The overwhelming majority of job seekers using the Ministry of organized dialogues with public sector and human resource Labour’s employment placement services are secondary school directors and with directors of Qatar’s universities, colleges graduates (table 3.7). This indicates the mismatch of job seeker’s and schools to develop a shared vision, understanding and qualifications and labour market needs, a reluctance to accept get feedback from key stakeholders. Many participants lower paid private sector employment and a lack of knowledge are not first-time job seekers or the unemployed; they are of available employment opportunities. simply looking for a better job. Initiatives are under way to encourage more first time job seekers to attend, including Qatar Career Fair strategies that help the career fair better distinguish between, Since 2007 Qatar Foundation has sponsored the annual Qatar and support, job seekers with a secondary school education Career Fair to provide an opportunity for students and those and those with university background. For the first time the seeking work, especially first-time job seekers, to familiarize 2011 Qatar Career Fair had a special focus for people with themselves with the labour market and discover the types disabilities, and all employers were encouraged to offer of employment available, the skills in demand and the main opportunities for students with disabilities. organizations seeking employees (box 3.5). The career fair builds a bridge between Qatar’s education and training system and In the future better use of social networking media could the world of work. regularly inform students about the world of work. Further, many non-Qatari young people attend the career fair and this The career fair is not merely about finding jobs for people: should be taken into account, especially since they are likely it increasingly emphasizes training and development to have received their education in Qatar. opportunities for young Qataris. Since 2010 the career fair has

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Box 3.5 Qatar Career Fair: guidance and opportunities for job seekers

Qatar has a fast-growing economy and the structure experience and helps motivate young people to acquire the of employment opportunities is changing rapidly in line skills for the occupations they want to pursue. with the aim of transforming the country into a diversified knowledge-based economy. Since 2007 Qatar Foundation’s Employers can showcase and market their organizations, Qatar Career Fair takes place annually for one week in especially those in the private sector, and recruit the best Doha and provides an opportunity for job seekers to learn available talent. They can meet with school and university what employment options they have, the skills required to graduates (and their parents), answer job seeker’s questions perform them and where they are available. It is attended and encourage them with such incentives as scholarships by thousands of Qatari high school students and university and internships to take jobs in their organizations. graduates, many of them first-time job seekers and people seeking to change jobs. It also brings together education Education and training providers can learn the priority providers and public and private sector employers and needs of Qatar’s labour market in order to promote, tailor policy-makers. The opportunities it provides for various and adapt their courses to better meet the expectations stakeholders include: of students (and their parents) and satisfy employer’s skills requirements. Qatari job seekers can discover the world of work, and the fair provides them with an idea of labour market Policy-makers and labour market planners can interact with opportunities in Qatar and abroad, available career Qatari job-seekers, employers and education and training counselling and advice services (such as curriculum vitae providers to design and implement evidence-based labour preparation, interview best practices, how to secure market policies. high-quality jobs and so on). It is a learning and exchange

Box 3.6 Mentorship programmes can encourage greater participation of women in the labour force

Qatar University has undertaken several initiatives to them to the challenges and opportunities that come with support increase young women’s participation in the the profession. It provides young Qatari women with labour force. One initiative is a scholarships programme career guidance, helps in their professional development for law graduates to undertake post-graduate studies and offers opportunities for internships. While the at universities in the United Kingdom and the United programme has had positive feedback, it has also faced States, leading to a PhD or LLM in law. Upon obtaining challenges, with respect to participant’s commitment. their degree, they can become professors of law at Qatar For example, out of 25 students at the start of the University. A second initiative is a women’s mentorship programme in 2011, 10 dropped out. programme in collaboration with the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative, that pairs aspiring Source: Adapted from discussions with Marlana Valdez, Program Director, Rule of Law Initiative Qatar (2011). female lawyers with practicing female attorneys, to expose

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Mobilizing the Qatari youth labour force

Meeting the needs of economic diversification requires force grew from 34,000 (10.4% of the total) in 2001 to 177,000 improving incentives for young Qataris to enter private (13.8%) by 2011. But most were non-Qataris ages 20–24. sector employment, as well as creating a culture of entrepreneurship among them. The Qatari and non-Qatari components of the youth labour force grew at very different rates. The average annual growth Qatari youth in the labour market rate for the 15–19 and the 20–24 age groups among Qatar’s rapid economic growth provided attractive employment non-Qataris was four to five times that among Qataris opportunities for young people (box 3.7). Most young non-Qataris (table 3.8). This has resulted in a sharp decline in the Qatari enter into unskilled work. As Qatar’s labour force grew from share of the youth labour force, to 29% of youth ages 15–19 323,000 to 1.28 million between 2001 and 2011, it became and 8% of youth ages 20–24 by 2011 (figure 3.9). younger. The youth component (ages 15–24) in Qatar’s labour

Box 3.7 Successfully creating access to quality jobs for youth in Qatar

In its first comprehensive report on the attitudes and education. With regard to the current job market, of young people in the League of Arab States, Gallup, 58% of Qatari youth said it was a good time to find a job, in a survey sponsored by Silatech, found that in many a proportion that is significantly higher than the Arab of the countries surveyed, only a small proportion League median of 34%. A majority of Qatari youth, 65%, of respondents express satisfaction with efforts to also said they were satisfied with efforts to increase the increase the number of quality jobs. number of quality jobs in their country. However, when asked whether knowing people in high positions Gallup polled Qataris between the ages of 15–29 in March is critical to getting a good job, 56% of young Qataris 2009 to explore the attitudes among Qatari youth towards agreed, while only 27% disagreed. entrepreneurship, work environment, job skills training Source: Gallup (2009).

The average annual growth in the non-Qatari component of the youth labour force over Table 3.8 2001–2011 was huge (%) Age group Qatari Non-Qatari Total 15–19 1.1 11.0 7.0 20–24 5.8 19.7 17.4 25 and older 5.3 14.1 13.4 Total 5.2 14.7 13.8

Source: QSA (2002 and 2011h).

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Figure 3.9 The share of Qataris in the labour force varies markedly with age

(%) Ages 15–19 Ages 20–24 Aged 25 and older 100

e 47 71 74 forc Non-Qatari 92 87.5 94 bour la

are of 53 Sh Qatari 29 26 8 12.5 0 6 2001 2011 2001 2011 2001 2011

Source: QSA (2011a).

Working Teenagers more resources on technical education, and the National In 2011 some 2,300 or 8% of Qatari teenagers ages 15–19, Development Strategy 2011-2016 includes a programme for were in the labour force. This amounted to 3% of the Qatari providing the additional pathways at the preparatory level. labour force. Whether teenagers should work at this age–and if so–how much–have received considerable policy attention, These programmes are intended to provide a structured link especially in industrialized countries where the numbers between school and the labour market by imparting skills involved are much larger. While teenagers augment the that young people can use in their jobs. They typically form Qatari labour force in the short term, leaving school before part of the formal school structure and are administered by obtaining a secondary education can have long-term effects government agencies dealing with education. Many countries on future employment and lifetime earnings. Starting work also offer second chance programmes in which youth and too early may prevent Qataris from acquiring the basic skills adults who have left school can obtain specific occupational in school that would make them more marketable. For skills. The evidence on the success of technical education and example, Qatari age-income profiles computed from the vocational training is varied and depends on whether trainees 2006/2007 Household Income and Expenditure Survey show are provided with skills that are in demand in the labour that, by age 35, those with educational attainment below the market. secondary level have lower annual earnings than those with secondary education, a gap that widens with age. Some information on vocational training undertaken by unemployed Qataris with a secondary education is available Vocational Training from the Labour Force Survey. Table 3.10 shows the percent In 2008, 2% of Qatari secondary students and 19% of Qatari distribution of different types of training undertaken. For all tertiary students pursued technical or vocational programmes age groups, training in computers is by far the most popular, (table 3.9). There is thus a need to expand technical and especially among unemployed people ages 25 and older vocational education opportunities for young Qataris not (49%). The second most popular is learning English, with 37% inclined towards academic education. Qatar plans to invest of the responses from those ages 15–19 in this category.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Enrolment in technical education and vocational training at the secondary level in Qatar Table 3.9 is lower than in most benchmark countries, 2009 (%) Country or group Preparatory education Secondary education Tertiary education Bahrain 0 24 8a Kuwait 1 4 0 Oman 0 0 30a Qatar 0 2 21 Saudi Arabia 6 0 17 United Arab Emirates 0 0 9 Gulf Cooperation Council average 1 5 14 Organisation for Economic Co-operation 8 48 15 and Development average

Note: a. Data are for the most recent year available. Source: UIS (2011).

Acquiring computer and English language skills frequently undertaken by unemployed Table 3.10 Qataris with secondary education, 2011 (%) Age group Type of training 20–24 25 and older 15 and older English language 36.6 37.2 37.0 Computer 51.5 45.8 49.1 Secretarial 4.1 8.6 5.9 Typing 2.0 8.4 4.6 Others 5.8 0.0 3.4 Total 100 100 100

Note: Each respondent was given a maximum of three choices. Source: QSA (2011h).

Soft skills force require soft and practical skills–problem solving, Lack of adequate technical skills is just one challenge facing communications, foreign languages, interpersonal and team- many young Qataris starting their working career. Another working abilities–that are critical to further advancement. is the lack of noncognitive skills, such as problem solving, interpersonal and team-working abilities. Not having these Youth with disabilities skills is a barrier to Qatari’s increasing effective participation Road traffic accidents are one of the main causes of disability in the labour market and securing leadership positions. in Qatar. Many serious road accidents involve youth, especially young men. Of the total disabled persons at ages Beyond increasing productivity and competitiveness, soft skills 15–19 there is a higher proportion of disabled Qatari men inspire confidence in individuals for managing the complex compared with women, while in the age group 20–24 the challenges of the world of work. New entrants to the labour shares are similar at 9%.

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Only 23% of people with disabilities are economically active. and enable youth with disabilities to participate in the labour Of the total number of people that are not economically market by providing necessary skills, especially in information active, 55% do not participate in economic activity because and communication technology (box 3.8). of disability (figure 3.10). Efforts are being made to empower

Figure 3.10 Reasons why people with disabilities are not economically active, 2007

(%) 100 14

80 13

60

55 40

20 2.4 older are not economically active

People with disabilities ages 15 and 10.5 0 Student Retired Disabled Not willing or Homemaker looking

Source: Noor Martian and Al-Buainain (2008).

Box 3.8 Initiatives to empower and enable youth with disabilities

The Qatar Committee for Rehabilitation of Persons overcome obstructions and be a socially productive group. with Special Needs was established in 1992 to provide The institute enrols 6% of disabled Qatari men and 63% education and training for people with special needs of disabled Qatari women. in centres that include the Social and Cultural Centre for Special Needs and the Learning Centre for Education The Qatar Assistive Technology Centre (Mada) is a nonprofit of Mothers. It also produces and manufactures organization that provides assistive technology solutions equipment, teaching aids and various artificial limbs for people with disabilities to empower and enable them for its members. The rehabilitation programmes are through information and communication technology. used by 10% of disabled Qatari men and 9% of disabled Fewer than 5% of books, and even less for Arabic text, Qatari women; the education qualification programmes needed by people with print disabilities (including the are used by 15% of disabled Qatari men and 14% blind, vision impaired, learning or physically disabled) of disabled women. are available in accessible formats such as digital text or digital Braille. Mada in partnership with Bookshare, aims The Al-Noor Institute for the Blind was established in 1998 to deliver 500 Arabic e-books by the end of 2011. to provide education and rehabilitative services for young people ages 3–21 who are visually impaired, to help them Sources: Al Mereki and Al Buainain (2008); ictQATAR (2011).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Reforming Qatar’s labour market

Comprehensive reforms of Qatar’s labour market are a knowledge-based economy, thanks to technology-smart fundamental to realizing the goals and aspirations of QNV young people, but also leads to a substantial demand for 2030 for young Qataris. The National Development Strategy information to be conveyed and disseminated instantly. 2011–2016 sets out programmes that support Qatar’s human Qatari youth, like young people everywhere, are caught development goals of increased and diversified participation up in the proliferation of modern information technology of Qataris in the labour force, and targeted participation and social media that facilitate instant communication and of non-Qatari labour. The National Development Strategy radical change through global and local networks and are 2011–2016 proposes a series of interventions to promote high demanding to be included in change and development. human capital development and ensure greater labour-market efficiency; many of them focus on youth New technology requires skills relevant to education and employment (box 3.9). employment in addition to the social uses that initially engage most young people. Modern economies depend increasingly Youth and the new knowledge-based economy on capacity for effective knowledge and information The predominance of youth, both Qatari and non-Qatari, management. But data available on youth and information in the population not only confers a natural advantage for and communication technology are lacking (box 3.10).

Box 3.9 Prioritizing employment issues for national youth policies in Qatar

National youth policies relating to employment need • Employment creation–focusing on the demand to address: and supply sides of the labour market. • Employability–investing in education and vocational • Decent job creation–making jobs a priority training of young people and elaborating strategies for macroeconomic policy and social planning. to enhance the impact of investments. • Participation–providing for active participation • Equal opportunities–giving young women the same of young people in the design and implementation employment opportunities as young men. of national employment policies. • Entrepreneurship–making it easier to start and run enterprises for young people. Source: Al Ibrahim, Hassan (2011b).

Box 3.10 ictQATAR: determining current and future information and communication technology trends

ictQATAR will continue to allocate considerable resources The study, based on a sample of 1,000 young Qataris to protecting children online, and will explore ways to ages 11–29, will provide baseline information for a effectively use technology as a catalyst for change and comparative assessment of the socioeconomic impact innovation in schools. In early 2011 ictQATAR conducted of information and communication technology on the a comprehensive study on how information technology young. It will also provide insights into how information is affecting Qatari young people’s lives and aspirations. and communication technology shapes youth identity. It aims to develop a framework to assess the impact of The findings from the study will support policy information and communication technology on young recommendations on how to best harness the power people. It envisages that this framework will be used in of information and communication technology to help other countries in the region. young people realize their full potential.

Source: ictQATAR (2011).

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Table 3.11 Almost all young Qataris use the computer and Internet, 2010

Age group Technology 15–19 20–24 25 and older Total Inside home Computer 92.0 90.8 70.7 77.5 Internet 90.1 89.2 69.1 75.8

Outside home Computer 83.0 81.4 60.9 67.8 Internet 80.1 79.2 59.2 65.9

Source: QSA (2011a).

A skilled labour force is essential for building a knowledge- Information and communication technology’s role was based economy. In many countries the spread of new discussed during a youth focus group conducted by the technology has increased demand for highly educated General Secretariat for Development Planning and Qatar workers with skills in this area. Such workers' earnings University. The group felt that not having strong information have risen substantially. and communication technology skills and access was a new form of illiteracy. Youth respond better to visual stimulus Computer and Internet use in Qatar is high, comparable to and social media, which can be used to improve learning. that in most industrialised countries, with 708 Internet users Electronic resources can extend access, reaching youth per 1,000 people (ages 4 and older) in 2010, compared with an outside urban areas and those with special needs. average of 740 for the top eight Human Development Index There is a need to develop education indicators for countries in 2008 (UNDP 2010). Consistent with experience in information and communication technology literacy. other countries, Qatari youth are more likely than older groups to use computers and the Internet (table 3.11). Adolescents are Working towards the knowledge-based economy the most likely to be major users. Among Qataris, well over 90% While general use of modern information and of youth are computer and Internet users, compared with only communication technology is high, Qatar’s higher education two-thirds of adults. Public sector policies can focus on the use system is not producing the requisite number of graduates of information and communication technology as a means for with science and technology specializations for productive more effective youth development. employment in a knowledge-based economy (see chapter 2). The profile of Qatari graduates from higher education In 2007 there were an estimated 1.2 billion Internet users does not match that of key benchmark countries with more worldwide, only about 20 million of them in Arab countries. developed knowledge-based economies. For example, That is equivalent to about 70 users per 1,000 people in Arab the share of graduates with knowledge-based economy countries, compared with 178 per 1,000 worldwide. However, specialization is 80% in Finland, compared with 60% in Qatar. Internet use in Arab countries since 2000 has nearly tripled, Three factors contribute to this gap: compared with Internet use worldwide that has more than • Students are neither fully aware of the importance of doubled. studying knowledge-based economy subjects nor cognizant of the career opportunities available to them as graduates in knowledge-based economy specializations.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report • Students are not motivated to enrol in knowledge-based • Upgrading skills in the public sector to guarantee better economy specializations because the benefits of pursuing institutions and administration for the country. other specializations and external job opportunities are • Improving skills in the private sector to promote a more perceived to be higher. diversified role for Qataris in the economy. • Not all knowledge-based economy specializations • Expanding access to vocational training to improve skills of are available to Qatari students. new entrants with varying levels of education, as well as for more disadvantaged categories. The National Development Strategy 2011–2016 strongly • Providing stronger leadership skills in both the private and emphasizes programmes to upgrade human capital public sectors to ensure that Qataris are a driving force through better access to higher education and a range of throughout the entire country. skills required for the effective use of new information technologies. The National Development Strategy 2011–2016 Incentivizing private sector employment and will contribute towards QNV 2030 goals of: entrepreneurship • A world-class education system that equips citizens to achieve Qatar’s private sector has a limited role in the economy their aspirations and meet the needs of Qatari society. but a big profile in employment. It employs a majority of • A national network of formal and nonformal education the labour force, but employs only a small share of Qataris programmes that equip Qatari children and youth with the (5%), compared with the target of 15% by 2016. Some 87% of skills and motivation to contribute to society. Qataris are employed in the public sector, with 71% working • Well developed, independent, self-managing and in government administration and 16% in government-owned accountable educational institutions operating under companies and corporations. Public sector employment is centrally determined guidelines. generally higher paid and has better working conditions and • An effective system for funding scientific research shared more favourable social benefits. It is thus unsurprising that by the public and private sectors and conducted in most Qatari youth pursue public sector employment. cooperation with specialized international organizations While Qatari women’s labour force participation has and leading international research centres. increased significantly, they remain only marginally • A significant international role in cultural and intellectual represented in private sector employment. activity and scientific research. The National Development Strategy 2011–2016 proposes Expanding opportunities and increasing employability a programme to promote labour force participation in the Given the small proportion of Qataris in the labour force, private sector, focusing on three areas. First, alignment of Qatar foresees both increased labour force participation compensation (wages and allowances) between the public among Qataris and a larger proportion of Qataris holding and private sectors will be improved. An in-depth study senior positions. Improving skills, especially when aligned will be conducted to determine how best to achieve this to labour market needs, should lead to higher and more alignment. Second, an entrepreneurship initiative, targeting effective labour force participation. However, lack of technical youth and Qatari women will be launched to, among other and vocational training opportunities for less academically things, study barriers to entrepreneurship, launch a business oriented Qatari youth limits growth in effective labour force plan competition and encourage internships in domestic, participation. Responding to this challenge, the National regional and international enterprises. Third, economic Development Strategy 2011–2016 proposes a skills-upgrading incentives will be provided to private companies and programme for Qataris, including leadership training, campaigns implemented to promote attitude changes in designed and implemented primarily through public and terms of meeting the needs of female Qatari employees in the private institutions (box 3.11). The programme includes: private sector.

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Box 3.11 Qatar's energy sector helping to build youth capacities

Qatar's energy sector, through companies such as Qatar One of Shell's goals is to achieve simplicity and improve Petroleum (see chapter 2), Shell, ExxonMobil and RasGas, performance through innovation. Youth can make a have specific social, economic and environmental significant contribution to achieving this goal. In addition programmes that support mainstreaming youth in to material gains awarded to innovative thinkers, Shell sustainable development, aligned with the National has established a research and development center in Development Strategy 2011-2016. Qatar Foundation's Education City. Youth are encouraged to suggest alternative ways of doing things that are more ExxonMobil Qatar Inc has various initiatives focused efficient and eco-friendly. For example, they were able on the education sector, including the Qatar University to recycle water used at company plants mixed with ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, a pilot programme sulfur, previously considered waste, to make concrete. designed to help educators enhance their math and Through outreach initiatives such as Shell's Eco Marathon, science teaching skills, a Visiting Professors Initiative with the company encourages university students to think Qatar University, which aims to bring world renowned innovatively and find ways to have model cars run professors to teach engineering, math and science classes longest distances efficiently. Shell also leads and sponsors and the INJAZ Qatar mentorship programme whereby educational campaigns that raise awareness among youth ExxonMobil employees serve as mentors to youth to help about career options, research, and health and safety. Such them build professional skills. initiatives include Life is Engineering, which focuses on embracing science majors and through a joint project with ExxonMobil also plays a role in labour market integration the Ministry of Interior and the Supreme Education Council of Qatari youth through its Student Intern Programme. to integrate road safety practices into school curricula. This programme enables high school and university students, to solve real life issues, helping them have a RasGas has established a University Advisory Committee better understanding of their career path options while to help achieve its Qatarization goals. The Committee also helping ExxonMobil identify top Qatari candidates for plays a role in expanding student capacities, starting with sponsorship and employment opportunities. educational development, career awareness and helping with career-building. RasGas sponsors the Qatar University Shell has various programmes in education, labour market Career Fair where students have the opportunity to integration, health and well-being, and the environment. apply directly online at the RasGas booth for summer For example, Shell has all-encompassing programmes internships, scholarships and graduate recruitment providing opportunities for university graduates to opportunities, and the Higher Education Institute annual pursue technical and functional careers, and a technical student meeting in London, attended by more than 100 programme for those without a degree to become sponsored Qatari students. RasGas also seeks to optimize operators in the energy industry. Once graduates and its human resources, the companies strongest asset, technical students are recruited the aim is to retain them through initiatives such as the Employee Development by ensuring long-term careers within the company. Shell Project. Through career development plans and prepares young persons for their careers, helping them succession plans, RasGas seeks to retain its employees, develop long-term career paths, sponsoring international helping develop them within the organization while assignments and encouraging feedback to make sure that achieving quality Qatarization. the company is meeting their expectations. Source: Adapted from discussions with Shell and materials from ExxonMobil and RasGas ( 2011)

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Within the private sector, both entrepreneurship and wage The government is trying to understand and reduce barriers employment among Qataris are limited. This is despite the that discourage Qatari youth from starting small businesses. 2010 Gallup survey canvassed on behalf of Silatech, that Enterprise Qatar and ictQATAR are seeking inputs and 50% of Qatari youth had thought about starting their own feedback from young entrepreneurs to minimise their risk of business. With the current focus on high value-added small failure (box 3.12). and medium-size enterprises, it is necessary to encourage Qatari entrepreneurs, only 2% of whom actively manage Enterprise Qatar is facilitating access to capital for and invest in their own businesses. Entrepreneurs can act entrepreneurs, creating an environment that supports small as catalysts to drive Qatar’s current hydrocarbon-dependent and medium-size enterprises, and setting up projects that will economy to a modern diversified one. Entrepreneurial help young entrepreneurs. ictQATAR has an incubation centre development of Qataris, especially of youth and women, will that helps young entrepreneurs start their businesses, with be encouraged as part of the National Development Strategy mentoring and tutoring for up to two years. 2011–2016. Barriers to entrepreneurship will be studied and initiatives launched–including stronger incentives, increased The Roudha Centre, to be completed in 2015, will address business training and capacity-building–at home and abroad many of the concerns of young women interested in in areas relevant to labour market needs. entrepreneurship (box 3.13).

Box 3.12 Concerns of Qatari youth interested in entrepreneurship

During a 2010 AIESEC Forum, young Qatari entrepreneurs • Legal licence procedures are difficult to negotiate. were asked to identify their concerns and the obstacles to • A company is allowed only a certain quota of visas, and becoming successful. Major concerns include: visas for workers of certain nationalities are difficult to • Lack of accessible business knowledge. acquire. • Absence of publicly available market information and • There is a lack of clarity when checking the availability analysis. of a company name or brand. • Parent’s rarely planting the seeds of entrepreneurship • It is difficult to earn money officially and legally at a young age and encouraging their children to operate a small scale, home-based business. become successful businessmen or businesswomen. • Current support efforts do not consider the special needs of technological businesses (for example Obstacles that were identified include: the software a company needs to use or develop). • Mentoring and coaching are not centralized. • Sponsorship and legal procedures are prohibitively Enterprise Qatar is partnering with local institutes and difficult. universities to conduct market research and help provide • Local office space and accommodation for employees open-access sources of information to support young are too expensive. entrepreneurs. • Required financial investment is too large (for example to register a company, a bank account with a minimum Source: Key discussion points from the AIESEC Youth to Economy Forum, 27 September 2010, Doha. capital share of QR 200,000 is required).

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Box 3.13 Social innovation can remove barriers that prevent young women from becoming entrepreneurs

The Roudha Centre is evolving into a “one stop shop” that provides support for women entrepreneurs. The Centre aims The Roudha Centre is an initiative of two ambitious to offer women a culturally-tailored resource, where they and highly driven young women who recognize that can obtain support at any point in their business processes. many Qatari women have innovative business ideas and a This could include researching the feasibility of a new desire to operationalize them. However, such women face idea or scaling up an already successful business. Roudha multiple challenges including the availability of applicable, helps women learn about the specifics of how to launch robust and transparent processes and financial resources to a business and obtain the necessary skills and knowledge, support them. Women in Qatar are faced with needs and and use technologies needed to make their ideas successful. concerns that are fundamentally different from those of The Centre targets women between the ages of 18–50. But men, yet the Roudha Centre is continuously challenged with in practice, the most enthusiastic participants are youth the question “why design a centre for women?” between the ages of 20–24. It leverages the strengths of its partners such as Silatech and Qatar Development Bank for Source: Adapted from discussion with Shareefa Fadhel, Co-founder of Roudha Centre (2011). funds, capacity building and business know-how.

Encouraging automation and innovation to real output, increasing the output to labour ratio and Labour force productivity will be a critical driver of driving up productivity. The National Development Strategy Qatar’s transition from a hydrocarbon-based economy 2011–2016 aims to raise labour productivity by: to a knowledge-based economy. Compared with labour • Improving the attractiveness of high-skilled labour force productivity levels in benchmark countries, Qatar’s to employers, through levies on employers to discourage current productivity is comparable in knowledge-intensive recruitment of low-skilled workers or a points system for sectors, but lower in labour-intensive sectors. Labour force entry into Qatar. productivity in labour-intensive sectors declined between • Instituting programmes to improve access to capital. 2005 and 2010. Employers have taken full advantage of an • Assessing current production mehods, including the capital open-door immigration policy, which makes available an and labour components, international best practices and almost inexhaustible supply of unskilled and semi-skilled the readiness of stakeholders to implement change. labour at an international wage rate. This has left little • Developing a communications and change management incentive to invest in capital equipment or use more highly plan for ensuring buy-in from all affected stakeholder groups. skilled labour that would reduce overall demand. Without reducing the recruitment of low-cost workers, Human Resources Master Plan or increasing the attractiveness of capital investments Rapid economic growth, with corresponding increases in the size or high-skilled labour, the economy will struggle to reach and changes in the composition of the labour force, has resulted its economic diversification aspirations. in an increasingly diversified and complex labour market. The current planning and research capacities of the Ministry Qatar’s aim is a highly productive labour force that of Labour, which has a small Planning and Research unit, are is rewarded well enough to drive high participation rates. insufficient to provide labour market analyses in relation to the To boost labour productivity, Qatar must address the ready needs of Qatar’s chosen development path. A Human Resources availability of low-cost, low-skilled non-Qatari labour and Master Plan should bridge this gap by enabling coordination encourage firms to invest in capital improvements. Higher between the needs of the economy, government strategy and skilled labour will reduce the size of the labour force relative the labour market. The plan will define the required labour force skills and capabilities for relevant sectors, consider the type of higher education and training that should be offered to Qataris and determine the appropriate mix of non-Qatari workers required for the relevant sectors.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report The plan will also combine various perspectives, including the and the Cabinet Office is the primary souce of data on public leaders of key industries (such as Qatar Petroleum) and sectors sector employees. These databases need to be linked and within the Qatar government (such as the Supreme Education explored to better inform labour market policy. Council), to publish a statement of action for developing future labour force requirements. By defining the required A national Labour Market Information System could build on number and type of employees, both Qatari and non-Qatari, parallel efforts already taking place. The most extensive source the plan will allow all relevant stakeholders to understand the of labour market data is the Qatar Statistics Authority’s annual direction being taken to enhance the efficiency of the labour Labour Force Survey. Though a rich data source, it does not force. Associated education and training requirements will capture some important features of Qatar’s labour market, also be defined. The plan will include: such as the participation of Qataris in income-generating • Delineation of labour force needs by sector until at least 2016. activities. The system will use a user-friendly electronic • Specification of education and training requirements platform to aid labour policy-makers. It will complement the to meet Qatari labour force needs. other proposed National Development Strategy 2011–2016 • A description of targeted non-Qatari labour required projects, and help consolidate labour market data onto one by the economy. platform. Developing the system will require identifying • A management plan for maintaining the relevance variables needed by different parties, establishing a of the Human Resources Master Plan. methodology to share information, creating guidelines to ensure privacy of individual data records and conducting Creating a more flexible labour market operational research on factors affecting the labour market. Since 2009 public sector employment in Qatar has been regulated by the Law of Human Resource Administration, Enhancing employment services which provides a wide range of benefits for Qataris, Modern employment services are critical for a flexible and including preference in government hiring decisions and efficient labour market and are especially beneficial for various allowances, bonuses, leaves and severance benefits. youth. The only labour intermediation service in Qatar But the law discourages young Qataris from improving their is provided by the Ministry of Labour, whose manpower qualifications and developing their skills and education. department registers unemployed Qataris. Information It will be reviewed and revised to encourage more effective on training and employment opportunities for job seekers, labour force participation by young Qataris. especially for young adults, and on career counselling and mentorship is not readily available. Qatari youth are Improved labour market performance will result from insufficiently informed about the economic returns to post- increasing the capacity of the main stakeholders, improving secondary education. Special needs groups, particularly their organization and structure, and promoting more the unemployed, women and the disabled, are inadequately efficient coordination. Efforts to ensure stronger coordination supported by the current labour market institutions will require stronger partnership between government and employment services. agencies and the private sector. The Ministry of Labour runs an employment exchange, Building the evidence base for policy-making but intermediary services need to be undertaken by a broader Qatar’s labour policy-making is hampered by a lack and more independent group of stakeholders, especially in of comprehensive labour market data and research. the context of Qatar’s ever more diversified labour market. No single source consolidates all the available data on the Labour intermediation services will be designed and a system labour market. Stakeholders have difficulty accessing and to start these agencies will be implemented. The National reconciling relevant databases from different sources. Development Strategy 2011–2016 proposes selecting a model For example, the Ministry of Labour is the primary source of ownership for the labour intermediation companies, of data on the Qatari labour force, the Ministry of the Interior designing the services provided by the labour intermediaries is the primary source of data on the non-Qatari labour force and running an awareness campaign.

Enhancing the Labour Force Participation of Qatari Youth Conclusion

Young Qataris have previously undreamed of choices and alternative to employment in the public sector. But it requires opportunities on joining the labour market. But many lack support for project incubation and for the creation of a the skills and qualifications to take advantage of them. culture of innovation. Qatar’s economic diversification aspirations necessitate building human capital to create a more productive, skilled While the labour force participation rates for young women and motivated labour force. As the economy has expanded has increased considerably from a low base, they have sought at breathtaking speed and the demand for non-Qataris in employment almost exclusively in the public sector; the labour force has grown correspondingly, the proportion that is, in government administration, health and education. of Qataris in the labour force has fallen significantly. Changing attitudes towards the role of women, who are The number of new Qatari entrants to the labour force each increasingly better educated than men, are making private year is less than the economy demands. In this environment, sector employment opportunities more feasible. A supportive employment quotas can create distorted incentives response is needed from private companies to show their for employers to hire nationals. awareness of the cultural sensitivities of prospective female employees. Second chance programmes offer Qatari youth who have not completed secondary education the opportunity to Many young Qataris transitioning to the world of work often salvage their life prospects, reduce waste of valuable human lack awareness of the opportunities available to them, how resources and increase the number of Qataris in the labour to search for jobs and how to access career advice. Most lack force. In most cases the second chance will be in technical labour force readiness and appropriate soft skills. Internships education and vocational training but should be facilitated for tertiary (including vocational) students could provide according to individual needs and abilities. Programmes young Qataris with experience of working life in career- must be in skills and training that are in demand, offer related activities. Students and their parents need to be accredited qualifications of acceptable standard to employers made more aware of training and employment opportunities. and be undertaken with a realistic career outcome in mind. Intermediary services for job seekers, currently partially One precondition for the success of such programmes is a provided by the Ministry of Labour, Qatar Careers Fair favourable attitude among Qatari youth, and more generally and Qatar Petroleum, need to be expanded and to include Qatari society, to technical employment. This may require special needs groups. a change in incentive structures. Qatar’s emerging labour market strategy, a part of the Public service employment is so entrenched in family National Development Strategy 2011–2016 will make traditions that few Qatari youth seriously consider other the labour market more efficient and flexible. They will options. Disparities between the public and private sectors benefit Qatari youth by expanding high-quality training in salaries and conditions of service need to be addressed. opportunities, incentivizing private sector employment Entrepreneurship has the potential to offer youth a viable and enhancing employment and career counselling services.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Qataris Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Qataris

Improving health status and reducing the risks of death Today is a short-term “window of opportunity” to address and illness at all ages are major national development goals. the social factors driving the growth in chronic diseases, Investments in health can promote the overall well-being such as obesity, circulatory and respiratory diseases of the population, boost labour force productivity and foster and diabetes. Action should be taken now to avoid the social cohesion. Qatar is investing heavily to establish a increasingly serious problems currently affecting most highly world-class healthcare system that is affordable and developed countries, which are spending a large and growing accessible to the entire population. The incidence of most proportions of GDP on care for chronic illness and for the communicable diseases has been reduced to very low levels elderly sick (Crisp 2010). and neonatal, perinatal and infant child mortality rates have declined substantially, though not yet to levels achieved As with education, the most effective and efficient by some other countries. interventions are likely to be those that target people from a young age. Risky behaviours by young people can Most of the large non-Qatari population is young adults have tragic consequences much later in life. Smoking tobacco at a healthy stage of life. Because they must pass a basic at an early age may cause cancers that are detected only health screening test to obtain a visa, they are unlikely in middle age. Sexually transmitted infections acquired to make major demands on the health services, in adolescence may lead to infertility, physical and mental which are readily obtainable at relatively low cost and health problems or even early death–during the prime of life. subsidized by the government. Their main health risk is of work-related injury. Perhaps even more important is the need to intervene before the young people acquire the habits and lifestyles that can Demographic and epidemiological changes now under greatly increase their risk of serious illness later in life (World way will almost certainly have important longer term Bank 2006). Young people need to be able to make informed implications for Qatari healthcare. Already, the main judgements about the health risks associated with smoking, serious healthproblems affecting Qataris relate to heart and drug use, alcohol consumption and sexual activity. They need respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancers associated with to understand the links between obesity and many serious aging or lifestyle, which are expensive and difficult to treat. chronic diseases and be encouraged to develop healthy The per capita cost of care is already very high for the dietary habits and appreciate the benefits of regular exercise. country’s current age structure, and unless early action is taken, these costs will grow even more rapidly as the population ages. Getting a good start in life

Substantial investments in healthcare have resulted Oganisation for Economic Co-operation (OECD) countries in a decline in childhood morbidity and mortality rates. (table 4.1). While neonatal and postnatal death rates have The challenge now is to promote healthy lifestyles and fallen as a result of improved antenatal and postnatal care, to reduce risky behaviour among young people. the death rate among toddlers (ages 1–4) has not fallen as much (figure 4.1). One factor is road traffic accidents, Birth, infancy and childhood which affect toddlers as well as adults: some 5% of road The earliest years of a child’s life may have profound traffic accident deaths among Qataris are among toddlers. implications for later development. A healthy birth, infancy and childhood can provide the foundation Improvements in the maternal mortality ratio reflect for physical and mental well-being in maturity. improvement in antenatal and postnatal care. Qatar’s The most common measures of the extent to which maternal mortality ratio in 2010, was just 10 maternal deaths society provides a good start to life are infant per 100,000 live births, reflecting the relatively low risk for and child mortality rates. women of childbearing age. The high standards of maternal healthcare are consistent with the high quality Qatar’s under-five mortality rates have steadily improved of reproductive health and information services. over the last two decades, falling to 8 deaths per 1,000 live Family planning is available and widely used among Qatari births in 2010–one of the lowest rates in the Gulf Cooperation couples for birth spacing and to curtail childbearing once a Council but substantially higher than in the top eight desired family size has been achieved.

Table 4.1 Qatar's under-five mortality rate is below the Gulf Cooperation Council average, 2010

Gulf Cooperation Council Top eight Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countriesa Country Deaths per 1,000 Live Births Country Deaths per 1,000 Live Births Bahrain 12 Iceland 2 Kuwait 11 Finland 3 Oman 9 Japan 3 Qatar 8 Luxembourg 3 Saudi Arabia 18 Norway 3 United Arab Emirates 7 Singapore 3 Average 11 Sweden 3 Austria 4 Average 3

Note: a. Ranked by under-five mortality rate. Source: WHO (2011a).

Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Qataris Figure 4.1 Neonatal deaths remain a major component of under-five deaths

Neonatal Post-neonatal Toddler 16

14 hs

rt 1.7

bi 12 2.1 1.7 ve 10 1.4 4.0 2.7 2.8 4.3 4.1 8 1.8 1.3 1.6 2.6 1.4 4.6 per 1,000 li 2.0 6 2.2 3.2 2.3 2.9 1.8 2.2

deaths 4 7.9 ri 6.4 6.4 6.1 ta 4.6 4.7 4.5 4.9 4.3 4.9 2 3.5 Qa

0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Source: QSA (2011i).

Some concerns remain nutrition and post-partum maternal The National Development Strategy 2011–2016 emphasizes care. For example, satisfactory child development depends that the key healthcare concerns in Qatar relate to behaviour on nutrition, which is less common in Qatar. United Nations patterns, especially among young people, which should be Children’s Fund data for 2005 showed a 12% exclusive addressed through a strong preventive approach and a robust breastfeeding rate in the early months of infancy. Other primary care system. In developing a preventive approach, nutritional problems affecting both mothers and infants the role of education in promoting health is strongly include iron deficiency and diets high in sugar and saturated emphasized. A central part of health promotion is providing fats and low in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. health education to change youth behaviour and encourage Post-partum depression, rarely acknowledged, is also an healthy behaviours. Education can have at least two area of concern. Failure to address these concerns during beneficial consequences for health behaviour. First, it raises pregnancy can harm child development, as well as the individuals’ ability to absorb information. Second, it changes mental health of the mother. expectations and attitudes about the future. People with more education are likely to value the future more highly and In addition, broadening the discussion and providing be less prone to risky behaviour. information about sexual and reproductive health need to be considered–as age at first marriage increases and young people are exposed to risk-taking behaviours (box 4.1)

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Box 4.1 Voice of youth: breaking the silence on reproductive health

Young people’s lives today differ dramatically from those and child health. Currently primary healthcare centres of their parents. In the past the transition from childhood provide four services related to reproductive health, to adulthood occurred abruptly through early marriage namely: pregnancy care, vaccination, breast and cervical and childbearing. Today’s youth spend more time in cancer screening programmes, and health education. school and marry later. During adolescence, young people Internationally, comprehensive reproductive health may have sexual relations before marriage, includes the reproductive health of women and men putting them at risk of unintended pregnancies and throughout their life cycle, extending before and beyond sexually transmitted diseases. the reproductive years.

The issue of reproductive health amongst youth needs To improve reproductive health care to meet the needs to be acknowledged. Social and cultural habits that stay of Qatari youth, primary healthcare centres need to silent on the subject need to change. Parents, teachers provide more comprehensive sexual and reproductive and perhaps even religious leaders may be the key groups health services such as: to help break the silence. They themselves would need • Improving antenatal, delivery, postpartum and to be educated on reproductive health issues so that they newborn care. can encourage youth to talk about the subject. The media, • Providing high-quality services for family planning. Internet and health centres could be used to increase • Providing infertility services. awareness. • Eliminating unsafe illegal abortion. • Combating sexually transmitted infections including Reproductive health is a state of physical, emotional, HIV and reproductive tract infections, cervical cancer mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. and other gynaecological morbidities. Qatar’s reproductive health information and services have mostly been oriented mosly towards maternal Sources: Adapted from essay by Marwa Alameri and Aisha Al Ghafri (2011).

Adolescence and young adulthood mitigated by changes in behaviours, such as regular health Progressing from infancy through adolescence to adulthood monitoring and screening, increased physical activity, has its own set of issues, notably obesity and high-risk adoption of a healthy diet, avoidance of tobacco use, behaviour. Qatar’s population suffers from the same major and maintenance of a healthy body weight. Of particular causes of illness and death that most western countries concern is that these unhealthy lifestyle patterns are face – chronic, noncommunicable diseases that are linked increasingly common among Qatari youth, thus putting their to an affluent lifestyle, as well as a high rate of injuries, continuing health and survival into mature adulthood at risk. primarily from road traffic accidents and work-related incidents. Unhealthy lifestyles and unnecessary risk taking are resulting in avoidable illness and death that can be

Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Qataris High-risk behaviours

Criminal and delinquent behaviour strictly enforced health and safety standards and has a fine Of the few criminal offences committed by juveniles (ages track record in its hydrocarbon sector, health and safety 6–16), 48% were against people and 31% against property. standards in the construction sector are lagging. The labour Indicators on delinquent behaviour from the Ministry of law contains regulations on health and safety, but steps need Interior for 2009/2010 reveal that driving without a license to be taken to review and strengthen their implementation was the most common offence of juveniles, followed by and enforcement. Noncompliance with occupational health running away from home and attempted suicide (figure 4.2). and safety standards can seriously harm the country’s reputation. Accidental deaths Deaths caused by accidents and suicides are the most While the upward trend in deaths from road traffic accidents common external causes of death (figure 4.3); those resulting has stabilized, they remain the main cause of death among from homicide or other violent offences are negligible but Qatari and non-Qatari youth, particularly among men the external causes of deaths differ markedly between (figure 4.4). Road traffic accident deaths involve not only Qataris and non-Qataris. For Qataris, deaths from road traffic drivers and passengers, but also pedestrians who account accidents dominate external causes, whereas for non-Qataris, for almost a third of annual deaths, most of them among road traffic accidents and work-related deaths are both non-Qataris ages 30 and older.The main contributing factor important external causes. to road traffic accidents is the high-risk behaviour of road users–typically aggressive driving by young men. Among young non-Qataris, work-related injuries are a cause for concern especially on account of falling from a height The main causes of road traffic accidents have remained and from being struck by falling objects at construction and much the same over time, with reckless driving, crossing work-sites (figure 4.3). Qatar sees approximately 4–5 the median, insufficient distance and lane changing errors work-related fatalities per 100,000 workers a year, roughly (at roundabouts and on higher speed roads) responsible for double the rate in the European Union. While Qatar has more than 90% of accidents.

Figure 4.2 Criminal and delinquent behaviour, 2009–2010

Criminal behaviour committed by Types of delinquency committed by young people ages 6–16 young people ages 6–16

(%) (%) 100 100 Physical body, 48 Driving without a license, 53

80 80

60 60 Defamation and insult, 6 Suicide attempt, 10 40 40 Risky for violence, 5 Property, 31 Runing away from home, 26 20 20 Drugs acts, 0 Impersonate, 2 Others, 15 0 0 Traffic accidents, 2 Gunshot 2

Source: Al Ibrahim, Hamad (2011a).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Figure 4.3 Traffic accidents are a major cause of accidental deaths, 2009

Qatari Non-Qataris 250

73

hs 200 deat

of 150 ber 100 177 Num

50 5 1 45 40 1 48 27 0 8 5 4 Transport Intentional Drowning Falls Assault Poisoning Exposure Others Accidents self-harm to smoke and fire

Source: QSA, (2010c).

Figure 4.4 Road traffic accident death rates have fallen from their peak but remain high among youth

Qatari Non-Qatari Total Qatari Non-Qatari 45 45 40 40

35 09 35 20 , , eople 30 30 hs 0 p 25 25 deat 0,00

20 of 20 10 15 15

10 Number 10

Deaths per 5 5 0 0 2000 2005 2009 4 and 10–14 20–24 30–34 60–64 70–74 40–44 50–54 younger Age group

Sources: QSA (various years) and 2009 data from MOI (2010a).

Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Qataris Qatar’s efforts to address road traffic accidents have not had extended rehabilitation and potentially lifelong disabilities the desired impact. Traffic offences carry severe punishments requiring financial and medical support, which adds a but are not always enforced. Most offences–those for significant social and financial burden. speeding and failure to comply with traffic junction signals–are detected by radar and cameras. Police patrols Disability among the youth are limited. New initiatives for improving road safety need to In 2010 a large proportion of Qataris with a defined disability focus on behavioural changes among young Qatari men. were either children under age 14 years or young people ages 15–24. The disability rate declines steadily up to age 50 after Injuries caused by road traffic accidents, often overlooked, which it increases sharply (figure 4.5). The number of disabled total many thousands of lost health years. A significant men is the same as women at most ages except at ages 10–29. proportion of patients on long-term ventilation support For this age group there is a predominance of men reflecting in Qatar are there because of road traffic accidents. the impact of road traffic accidents. Furthermore, many of the relatively young victims face

Figure 4.5 Disabilities are high among young Qataris, 2010

Number of disabled Prevalence rate of disabled

Men Women Men Women

250 70 64.4 64.1 60 200 50 people 150 of 40 er

mb 30 100 Nu ber per 1,000 people 20 50 Nu m 9.1 10 6.1 0 0 4 4 14 24 34 44 54 64 14 24 34 44 54 64 0– 0– 10– 20– 30– 40– 50– 60– 10– 20– 30– 40– 50– 60– Age group Age group

Source: QSA (2011f).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Life style risks

Obesity It is generally accepted that physical activity protects The serious health consequences of being overweight or against ischaemic heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes obese are well established. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Evidence also suggests that exercise has musculoskeletal diseases and cancers have all been linked positive effects on hypertension, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis to overweight. A common indicator used to assess obesity and mental and psychological health. The World Health is the body mass index, which is based on a measure of Organization defines sufficient exercise as at least 30 minutes weight-for-height and is defined as weight in kilograms of regular, moderate-intensity physical effort for at least five divided by the square of height in metres. A score greater days a week. Some 46% of adult Qataris reported undertaking than 25 is considered overweight, while a score greater than sufficient “moderate” exercise (for example, taking a brisk 30 is considered obese and a score greater than 40 walk) in a typical week. Less than 16% reported that they is considered morbidly obese. A score between 20 and 25 undertake more than 150 minutes of vigorous exercise is considered desirable but there is evidence that the risk a week (for example, engaging in a strenuous sporting of chronic disease increases above a score of 21. activity). The percentages for young people ages 18–29 were only slightly higher. Maintaining a healthy weight requires both good dietary habits and regular exercise. Adequate consumption of fruit The 2006 World Health survey suggested that some 75% and vegetables is one way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular of Qataris were overweight and 40% were obese. Other recent disease and certain cancers and is important in providing estimates suggest that a third of Qatar’s male population and a diversified diet (WHO 2003). The World Health Organization more than two-fifth of th female population are obese (Bayram recommends an average of five or more servings of fruit and 2010). Qatar has the highest prevalence of overweight and vegetables a day. Findings from the 2006 World Health Survey obese adults in the Gulf Cooperation council and considerably (NHA 2008) indicate that only around 16% of Qatari higher than most OECD countries (table 4.2). This problem was adults– and even fewer young people–meet this target. confirmed by a World Health Organization study in which Qatar had the sixth highest prevalence in the world (WHO 2009).

Overweight and obesity among adults are higher in Qatar than in benchmark countries, Table 4.2 2010 (%)

Country Gulf Cooperation Council Selected Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries Overweight (%) Obese (%) Overweight (%) Obese (%)

Qatar 71 32 Finland 67 21 Qataris 75 40 Sweden 57 13 Kuwait 70 30 Norway 57 13 United Arab Emirates 67 25 Denmark 55 12 Bahrain 61 21 Saudi Arabia 63 23 Oman 43 8

Note: Overweight refers to body mass index greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2, and obese refers to body mass index greater than or equal to 30kg/m2. Source: WHO, (2011b) and Qatar and Qatari data from NHA (2008).

Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Qataris The high rates of obesity seen across the Arabian Gulf Obesity among Qatari students Cooperation council are generally attributed to poor diet, a In 2009 the Qatar Olympic Committee conducted a study climate that is unfavourable to outdoor activity and encourages on the weight and height of a sample of Qatari students ages a sedentary lifestyle, and cultural barriers to physical activity. 12–17. The study found that compared with the adult There is evidence that good eating and exercise habits among population of Qataris and to the national level, the student young people are inculcated at a young age. The 2006 World population had a significantly higher level of obesity Health Survey compiled data on Qatari children under age (table 4.3). Again, this suggests that diet and exercise habits 5 (figure 4.6) and found that about 44% had a z-score in the are established at an early age. normal range (between –1 and 1), 28% had a z-score above 1 (above normal range). Some 17% of Qatari children had a A school based survey, found that the prevalence of overweight z-score above 2, indicating a high body mass index for age. and obesity among adolescents in Qatar was highest in the The survey also indicated that as few as 50% of boys and 15–18 age group–46.2% compared with 6.6% in the 11–14 men and less than 40% of girls and women reported regular age group. Similarly the prevalence of obesity was highest participation in sports or other physical activity. Conversely, among the 15–18 age group–9.4% as compared with 4.9% 12% of Qatari children had a z-score below 2, indicating a very in the 11–14 age group (Al Ibrahim, Hamad 2011a). A study low body mass index for age. The percentage is four-fold higher of the habits of Qatari students’ habits found that 8–11% of than expected. Further study is required to better understand overweight students watched television during meals and that the factors associated with this phenomenon. only 11–17% participated in physical activity (Kamal and Kholi 2009). A similar study of 1,017 Qatari students ages 12–17 also found extremely high rates of childhood obesity, with over 45% classified as obese and 18% classified as morbidly obese.

Figure 4.6 A Large proportion of Qatari children is overweight, 2006

Body mass Less More than index Z-Score than -2 -2 to -1 -1 to 1 +1 to 2 2

Qatari 12 16 44 11 17

Normal 3 13 68 13 3

Underweight Overweight

Note: Body mass index for children is measured using z-scores, categorized into fve groups. A negative z-score indicates a lower index than normal, and a positive score indicates a higher index than normal. A score of under –2 indicates a low index for the child's age, and a score of over 2 indicates a high index for the child's age. The normal range is between –1 and 1. Source: Computed from NHA (2008).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Table 4.3 Obesity among Qatari students starts at an early age, 2009 (%)

Age Overweight and obese (%) Obese (%) 12 74 42 13 58 42 14 77 50 15 70 47 16 75 50 17 69 47 12–17 70 45 18 and older 75 40 Qatari and Non-Qatari 18 and older 71 32

Note: adult data are from NHA (2008). Source: Student data are from QOC (2009a);

Diabetes Obesity is closely associated with the risk of diabetes, Promoting youth health requires public sector intervention. which is threatening to become a major health problem. Most governments try to reduce risky behaviour that could The World Health Survey estimated that the prevalence be detrimental to young people’s future health. Individuals, of diabetes among Qataris is 12% in 2006 (NHA 2008)–more and in particular youth, have incomplete information on the than twice the world average (estimated at around 5%) and consequences of their behaviour, such as whether or when much higher than the rate among non-Qataris (less than 7%). they will face adverse outcomes (box 4.2).

Box 4.2 Health issues are complex and need proper attention

Many health issues, such as obesity and diabetes, are relatives than people who do not have diabetes. In addition, interdependent with other aspects of health, such as smoking habits and a family history of diabetes are nutrition. Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem strongly associated with people developing diabetes. in Qatari children, and vitamin D supplement intake among diabetic children is very poor. Vitamin D deficiency Further evidence for the interdependence of health factors becomes severe in children with type 1 diabetes. comes from a study that found that Qatari children with rickets were significantly more likely to have a family history People with type 2 diabetes are usually more obese of vitamin D deficiency (44.2%) and diabetes (53.5%). and are significantly more likely to come from a family that has had a consanguineous marriage to a first-degree Source: Al Ibrahim, Hamad (2011a).

Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Qataris A further 10% of adults are classified as pre-diabetic based use are lung cancer (and other cancers), vascular disease on measurement of raised blood glucose levels. Juvenile (including heart disease and strokes), chronic bronchitis and onset diabetes is also higher in Qatar than in other Gulf emphysema (World Bank 1999) Cooperation Council countries. Diabetes related deaths from diabetes will likely increase because of the substantial In 2006, some 14% of adults in Qatar reported smoking and 11% proportion of Qataris who already have type 2 diabetes and of them reported doing so every day (rates were similar among because risk rises with age. Although a genetic predisposition Qataris only; NHA 2008). Smoking prevalence was much higher is an important factor, lifestyle choices significantly affect for men (24%) than for women (3%). Because smoking is seen both the risk of getting the disease and resulting mortality as socially undesirable, these figures may underestimate true patterns. An estimated 90% of type 2 diabetes cases are linked prevalence rates, particularly among women. to excess weight (Hossain, Kawar and Nahar 2007). The Qatar Global Youth Tobacco Survey, conducted by the Efforts are being made to raise awareness of diabetes U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, includes data amongst youth. The Qatar Diabetes Association visits schools on the prevalence of cigarette and other tobacco use as well to discuss diabetes and health choices and participates in as information on five determinants of tobacco use– access; health and wellness fairs, such as the one at the College of availability and price; environmental tobacco smoke exposure; the North Atlantic-Qatar (Al Ibrahim, Hamad 2011b). availability of cessation options and support; media and advertising practices; and school curriculum–that Qatar could Smoking and related substance abuse include in a comprehensive tobacco control program. The 2004 Tobacco use is one of the most preventable causes and 2007 surveys show high and rising use of cigarettes and other of premature death and disease. All forms of tobacco tobacco products by Qatari students ages 14–16 (El-Awa, Warren consumption–including smoking and chewing–are harmful. and Jones 2010). The 2004 survey provided comprehensive detail Tobacco is believed to be responsible for more than 10% of not only on prevalence of tobacco use amongst young teenagers, adult deaths. The main illnesses associated with tobacco but also on knowledge and attitudes, access and availability, and environmental exposure to smoking (box 4.3).

Box 4.3 Smoking is a significant issue among youth

The 2004 Global Youth Tobacco Survey was a school-based • 21% usually smoke at home. survey of students who ages 14–16 years old. Salient • 47% buy cigarettes in a store. findings for Qatar include: • 73% who tried to buy cigarettes in a store were not refused purchase because of their age. Prevalence • More than 80% of students think smoking in public • 26% of students had ever smoked cigarettes (36% of places should be banned boys and 18% of girls). • 67% of smokers want to stop smoking now and 67% • 20% currently use any tobacco product (26% of boys of smokers tried to stop smoking during the past year. and 15% of girls). • 60% of students saw anti-smoking media messages in • 10% currently smoke cigarettes (15% of boys and 5% of girls). the past 30 days. • 16 % currently use other tobacco products (boys 19% • 70% of students saw pro-cigarette ads in the past 30 days. and girls 14%). • 19% of non-smokers are likely to initiate smoking next year. Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) exposure is high: • 30% of students live in homes where others smoke in Knowledge, attitude, access and availability their presence. • 30% of boys and 21% of girls think people who smoke • Almost 50% are exposed to smoke in public places. have more friends. • Over 25% of the students has at least one parent who smokes. • 21% of boys and 15% of girls think people who smoke • 11% have most or all friends who smoke. look more attractive. Source: CDC (2009).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Box 4.4 Regulations governing tobacco

In 1980 advertisers of tobacco products in Qatar were in enclosed public places. The law also bans the sale of required to note that “smoking is bad for your health”. In cigarettes to any person under age 18 and within 500 1982 a tax on tobacco products was introduced, and in metres of an educational institution. Growing tobacco is 1999 the tax rate on tobacco products was raised to 150%– not permitted in Qatar. 2% of which is directed to health education and smoking reduction. Emiri Law 20 of 2002 was issued to monitor the Source: Al Ibrahim, Hamad (2011a). use and sale of tobacco products and to prohibit smoking

An unpublished 2009 school-based study of adolescents Qatar is raising awareness among school and university between ages of 15–18 found that smoking tobacco is not students of the dangers of drug abuse. For the future the the only type of substance abuse occurring among Qatari focus must be on advertising in popular websites or satellite youth (Al Ibrahim, Hamad 2011a). The prevalence of shisha channels as alternative means to raise awareness about the (water pipe) smoking was 26% for men and 12% for women harm and risk of drugs. and about 19% overall. The prevalence of chewing tobacco was 15–18 age group was 6.8%–noteworthy considering Youth health and well-being through Qatari law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone sports under age 18 (box 4.4). The survey also found that the prevalence of illegal drugs use was almost 2%, over 4% of Sports are a powerful tool for building a healthy and cohesive students admitted to drinking alcohol, and over 12% had society. Being physically active provides people with a range used inhalants. Women reported a higher usage of inhalants of physical, social and mental health benefits. Children and than men did (16% compared with 8%). young people in particular can gain more from physical activity than just improved physical health. Involvement in Drug use sports from an early age builds character and discipline in Drug abuse is a major public health problem impacting all children that can be applied in other aspects of life. Qatar societies, but the Ministry of the Interior data suggest that in has a growing, young and increasingly affluent population Qatar it is a less significant issue for youth health and well-being with ample leisure time, but participation in sports and than are diabetes and obesity. Drug-related crimes committed physical activity is below expectations. by Qataris appear to have fallen in recent years (MOI 2010b). Qatar remains committed to increasing sports participation Qatar’s National Drug Control Strategy 2010–2015 aims to and active lifestyle practices to improve health outcomes, strengthen the role of various government institutions in forge global friendships and enhance relations with countries collectively addressing drug use. The Ministry of the Interior’s around the world. In January 2011 Qatar successfully hosted Drug Prevention Department combats drug crimes, the coveted Asian Football Confederation’s Asian Cup after including smuggling and trafficking, possession and successfully hosting the 2006 Asian Games. cross-border crimes, and the Permanent Committee for Drug and Alcohol Affairs suggests policies for combating, Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has treating and rehabilitating drug and alcohol abusers. The formally submitted a bid to host the 2020 Olympics. These committee cooperates with local, regional and international initiatives will promote Qatar as a leading destination for organizations in eradicating illicit cultivation of narcotic international sports. This is in line with the Qatar Olympic drugs and plants or psychotropic substances and monitors Committee’s vision to increase Qatari youth participation in legitimate activities involving the import of legal drugs. sports. In addition to participating in the games, Qatari youth will be involved in organization and administrative work as well as volunteering.

Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Qataris Major sports events in Doha present opportunities for in Doha in 2010. These camps have allow young Qataris to youth to see their world sporting heroes compete in tennis, experience sports with similar children from other countries golf, motorcycle racing, football and other sports. When at home and abroad. accompanied by sports clinics conducted by the world’s leading players, the events generate more value because An integrated sports landscape youth participate in various roles, get help from these To improve the overall health of the population, the state champion players, and are further motivated to play to the and its citizens must both commit to appropriately modifying highest standards. The events also enable youth to participate lifestyles. All sectors of the government must work in unison as volunteers on and off the field and to enhance friendships, to promote healthy and active living among the public by teamwork, their sense of social responsibility and other incorporating sports and physical activity into a broader essential interpersonal skills. preventive health agenda.

Healthy lifestyles The organized sports landscape in Qatar follows a largely Sports and physical activity are integral parts of a healthy centralized model built around the Qatar Olympic Committee lifestyles. They decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, and Aspire Zone Foundation, with the various sports high blood pressure and stroke and to contribute to a healthy federations, clubs and sports committees channelling lifestyle. They also minimize excessive weight gain. participants into these core organizations. Peripheral bodies Health and physical education are essential to the school that serve the education, health, environment, culture, curriculum, and special emphasis is placed on education tourism and leisure, and youth sectors collaborate with classes at preparatory and secondary schools in Qatar. specialist sports organizations. Programmes and sports activities such as running, cycling, swimming and aerobic exercise are essential for obesity The Qatar Olympic Committee is charged with promoting control and weight management and need to be Olympics principles and facilitating sports from the continuously encouraged. community level through to elite performers. The scope of its work extends from building sports venues and funding Qatar is proud of its recent achievements in sports, federations to developing athletes and running national and including the expansion of all types of sporting activities international competitions. and participation in international competitions. Sports management and youth development are administered The Aspire Zone Foundation is responsible for developing by independent agencies that promote the active sports sports champions and promoting healthy lifestyles through movement and engage youth in healthy habits, physical its three strategic business units: activity and regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. • ASPIRE Academy for Sprots Excellence, which offers athletics training to youth and is charged with identifies and transforms The ASPIRE ACTIVE programme of the ASPIRE Academy for promising student athletes into world-class competitors. Sports Excellence offers a range of recreational physical activities • ASPETAR, the first specialized orthopaedic and sports and fitness courses for young men, women and children. ASPIRE medicine hospital in the region, which provides injury Active has had unprecedented success in contributing to well- prevention care, performance improvement, research being through aerobics, circuit training, body training, Pilates, in sports medicine and awareness in nutrition. swimming, martial arts and mother and toddler classes. • Aspire LOGISTICS, which builds and manages the sporting facilities in Aspire Zone. The Global Sport Fund is a UN initiative, sponsored by the Qatar Olympic Committee that helps young people ages Young people who want to take up formal, competitive 11–17 live safer and more peaceful lives through sports while and organized sports may choose from a number of entry teaching them to play by the rules, engage in teamwork points: directly through a club or federation, through school and show respect for each others. The fund uses sports to physical education programmes, through the Schools Olympic improve physical and mental health, reinforce positive social Programme (a yearly event organized by the Qatar Olympic skills, and shield youth from the temptation of drug use and Committee), through Aspire Academy’s Multisport and Sport- juvenile delinquency. It organizes periodic youth camps, in Specific Development Programmes (box 4.5) or through Qatar and elsewhere, with the most recent of which was held privately run sports centres and clubs not directly associated with lead organizations.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Box 4.5 ASPIRE Academy’s outreach programmes

Aspire Academy’s outreach centres focus on school-aged, The programmes have a coach to child ratio not exceeding Arabic-speaking children and enable talented athletes to 1:16 (lower for some groups) and each instructor is a be considered for selection into the ASPRE Academy for certified physical education teacher or licensed coach. Sports Excellence. Two types of programmes are provided: Multisport Skill Development Programmes and the Sport- Sport Specific Development Workshops are invitational Specific Development Programmes. eight-week invitational workshops in sports where children must be able to demonstrate skill and affinity. The main goal of the Multisport Skill Development The workshops are delivered by either ASPIRE Academy Programmes is to increase the number of Qatari and staff or federation coaches. Arabic-speaking boys and girls ages 6–14 who are capable of mastering motor development skills and movement Source: Bayram (2010). fundamentals required for frequent sports participation.

Sports venue access and use The Qatar Olympic Committee–administered venues are used All countries developing youth sports programmes require almost exclusively for sports training or competitive events. an effective sports infrastructure. However, it is often difficult These venues may attract more use given the increasing to find large suitable areas of land that are readily accessible tendency for sports venues worldwide to be used for other to youth, spectators and athletes alike. Such infrastructure purposes such as concerts, ceremonies, banquets and includes outdoor and indoor areas for informal sporting multisport events. activities and for structured and open training as well as for serious competition at the national, regional and Limited participation despite significant health international levels. benefits Participation in organized sport is limited and recent male Competition between public open space needs and dedicated athlete registrations at Qatar’s sports federations have not space for elite athlete use can result in high costs and incompatible kept up with rapid population growth–largely because activities. Since 2004 Qatar has had a concerted infrastructure- unskilled non-Qatari male workers do not take up organized building programme ensure more facilities for competitive sport. However, growth in female athlete registrations has sports, neighbourhood playgrounds and cultural centres so that been consistent across most age groups, though the numbers youth can engage in sports. While most public sports facilities participating remain very small. are built by the Qatar Olympic Committee for federations and clubs, private entities also operate many venues—particularly The number of registered players in Qatari federated teams in taekwondo, judo and karate combat sports. and sports clubs increased from 7,500 in 2000 to 13,700 in 2008–an average annual growth rate of 7.8%. The number Major sports facilities exist at the Aspire Zone, military and of child participants grew at above the average rate (8.9%), police bases, independent schools, private schools, hotels the junior category at the average rate the remainder grew and other private establishments. Thus, the number of places at below the average rate. While the share of Qatari women for youth to pursue sporting interests in Qatar is high. Open in the total number of athletes is exceedingly small, it is public space for casual sports is limited. Walking tracks along rising–from a negligible amount in 2000 to 7.3% in 2008 the Doha Corniche and Aspire Zone are heavily used but (figure 4.7). The growth in the number athletes over 2000- there is a shortage of suitable parks for ball games and sports 2008 was much higher among women (23%) than men (4%). requiring any sort of equipment are in short supply.

Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Qataris Figure 4.7 Increasing number of athletes in Qatar

Children, younger and junior Qatar athletes have increased most Qatari athletes are predominantly male

Senior Youth Junior Younger Children Males Females

16 16 Total 0.9

etes 14 13.7 14 1.0 0.7 0.6 12 12 0.5

ed athl 4.3 0.3 er

st 10 10 0.3

gi Total re 8 7.6 2.4 8 13.8

ated 2.2 12.7

(thousands) 12.1 6 2.4 6 11.3 10.2 10.8 1.4 9.2 4 4 7.6 8.4 1.3 1.9 of feder 1.2

ber 2 2 2.6 m 1.6 0 0 Nu 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

Source: QSA (2009b).

Women play a critical role in promoting healthy lifestyles Despite the huge number of advantages that women can through their influence on children’s health and well-being. accrue through sport and physical activity, participation is A 2009 study by the Qatar Olympic Comiittee found that just still constrained by many factors. A Qatar Olympic Committee 15% of Qatari women ages 15 and older regularly participated study found that social and community influences were in sports. More than half either seldom or never participated. the most important factors constraining Qatari women’s The type of sports and physical activities most frequently participation (box 4.6). participated in were walking, running, aerobic exercise, and swimming (table 4.4).

Table 4.4 Qatari women’s participation in sports and physical activity, 2009 (%)

Frequency of participation Distribution (%) Activity Distribution (%) Regularly participates 15 Walking 58 Sometimes participates 36 Running 12 Seldom participates 32 Aerobic exercise 14 Never participates 17 Swimming 6 Others 10

Note: Data are for 959 respondents Source: QOC (2009b).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Box 4.6 Factors inhibiting Qatari women’s participation in physical activity

Regularity of participation • Lack of regular participation. • Paucity of appropriate facilities.

Problems impeding participation Requires • Family tradition. • Suitable places for women to exercise. • Embarrassment at being observed while exercising. • Change of attitude on part of family. • Male family member forbids going out for sports. • Responsibilities of daily life intervene to prevent participation.

Personal characteristics of women Requires • Health status of women does not allow them • Dispelling misconceptions. to exercise. • Making women and men aware of the benefits. • Women’s belief that sports are for men not women. • Women’s bodies are not suited to exercise. • Exercise may cause women harm.

Shortcoming of available practice facilities Requires and programmes • Customized programmes according to need. • Lack of guidance on what to do and how to do it. • Qualified Qatari women as trainers. • Lack of easy programmes to encourage participation. • Lack of collective sports programmes to encourage participation. • Lack of programmes for different ages.

Deficiencies in information and education in sports Requires • Lack of guidance on the contribution of sports to health. • Media participation in health knowledge and • Lack of awareness programmes for special education programmes. circumstances (such as obesity, pregnancy, postnatal, • Assurance of the compatibility of religious law and menstrual cycle). physical activity. • Deficiency in communications between media sports • Educating individuals about health risks they are programmes and women. exposed to. • Absence of media programmes illustrating the positive relationship between Islamic law and sports.

Source: QOC (2009b).

Clustering the issues according to the frequency of the responses, associated with facilities and programmes (75%). The ordering the study found that the greatest number of concerns related of these concerns suggests that a small, tight-knit community, to social and community aspects (82%), problems associated with like that of the Qataris, imposes a form of behaviour that must information and education on sports (80%), problems associated observe the prevailing customs. with the characteristics of the women (76%) and problems

Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Qataris Physical education in schools to the centrality of sports and physical activity in a school In 2007 the Supreme Education Council undertook a project environment, rather than sports being treated as to build the capacity of agencies involved in providing physical a marginal subject. activity in schools and at community sites to increase the regularity of participation in physical activity among students, boost the The annual Schools Olympic Programme, an initiative by His quality of the activities offered and improve student attitudes Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, was launched towards lifelong participation in sports. All independent schools in 2007. It aims to inspire young people in public and private have implemented the new Physical Education Curriculum sector schools to participate in sports and adopt active Framework, and physical education is now compulsory in schools and healthy lifestyles. The programme is hosted under the from kindergarten through grade 12. auspices of the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Supreme Education Council at the Aspire Dome, and a new theme A strategic plan to 2013 for improving the quality of physical is chosen each year to be co-administered with another education taught in schools has since been developed to government ministry and relevant agencies. Recent themes tackle the challenges faced by policy-makers, school leaders, include sports and health, sports and the environment teachers and parents. A major part of this challenge relates and sports and culture.

Table 4.5 Substantial increase in boys’ and girls’ participation in the Qatar Schools Olympic Programme

Participants Season Boys Girls Total Total Students Participation rate (%) Number of participants in individual sports - athletics, fencing, gymnastics, swimming and table tennis 2007/2008 974 396 1,370 136,677 1.0 2008/2009 1,740 601 2,341 143,141 1.6 2009/2010 3,104 1,259 4,363 151,229 2.9 2010/2011 3,602 1,731 5,333 157,647 3.4 Average annual growth, 44 49 45 5 2007/2008 to 2010/2011 (%) Number of participants in team sports - basketball, football, handball and volleyball 2007/2008 3,952 1,777 5,729 136,677 4.2 2008/2009 5,268 1,908 7,176 143,141 5.0 2009/2010 6,784 3,138 9,922 151,229 6.6 2010/2011 8,290 3,869 12,159 157,647 7.7 Annual growth, 25 26 25 5 2007/2008 to 2010/2011 (%)

Source: Computed from QOC (2011b) and QSA (2011e).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report The programme is an interschool sports competition Sports education and training held from November through March, involving primary, Participation in sports is vital to the holistic development preparatory and secondary schools which play each other of young people, fostering their physical and emotional health over a series of preliminary rounds, with and winners and promoting social integration. Within schools physical gradually advancing through to the final competition held education is an essential component of quality education. over two days in March (with one day for boys’ events and the Besides promoting physical activity, such programmes are other for girls’ events). Finalists receive gold, silver and bronze correlated with better academic performance (UN 2003). The medals for their efforts. The Qatar Paralympic Committee also Qatar Olympic Committee’s 2008–2012 Strategic Plan (QOC coordinates athletes from special needs schools to compete 2008) aims to strengthen sports education and culture in against similar schools in the SOP. The success of programme schools through programmes that reinforce and strengthen is highlighted by the phenomenal growth in male and physical education curricula; support teacher development, female student participation between 2007/08 and 2010/11, training and assessment; and introduce a sports culture in with more than 12,000 students from about 300 schools schools through innovative areas such as sports photography, competing in the most recent year (table 4.5). Because of literature, painting, sculpture, music, dance and song. the programme, student participation in team and individual sports has increased significantly. In 2004 Qatar established the ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence (ASPIRE), to provide sports training and education Vocational development of athletes to students with sporting potential in an exceptional learning The Qatar Olympic Committee provides talented young and sporting environment. The purpose is to produce well Qatari athletes with opportunities for a monthly stipend and trained atheletes in various sports to meet the needs of other incentives through its affiliated federations and clubs, Qatari society and realize its aspirations in regional and including: international sports competitions. • Incentive programme for national team players who study at local universities–the Qatar Olympic Committee pays The academy enrols 200 male student athletes in grades players a monthly salary and 25% of the university fees. 7–12 who specialize in football, athletics, squash, table tennis, • Local and international scholarships for talented sailing, judo, gymnastics, tennis, fencing, rowing, shooting and athletes– the Qatar Olympic Committee pays for golf; 121 students have graduated since 2007/2008. the academic studies and professional training of talented athletes who have the potential to excel in international The academy also sponsors local and international competitions. community programmes. ASPIRE ACTIVE, a public fitness • Employment programme for high school graduates– programme, reaches 3,500 adults and children in Doha. Qatar Olympic Committee offers outstanding high ASPIRE Sports Skill Development Centres reach more than school students scholarships to study aboard in various 5,000 children in Doha. For tertiary level, for young athletes specializations. Returning graduates are offered jobs who are academically qualified and wish to continue their at the QOC. studies in Qatar–particularly women who prefer to study • Voluntary training programmes for youth– these locally for cultural reasons–a range of university options exist, programmes provide Qatari youth in secondary school though only Qatar University offers a sports major. with administrative and field experience. Qatar University has a long history of graduating physical The continuing large government investment in Qatar’s sports education teachers and recently has diversified its curriculum sector, including the organizing of international sports events, by introducing a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science. has opened up many employment opportunities for young The new programme is a four-year undergraduate course Qataris in sports related work. Beyong careers in coaching focusing on three tracks: sports management, physical and sports administration, athletes can work in sports media, education, and exercise and fitness. The internationally sports facilities building and maintenance, sports sciences, accredited programme (with 30 male and 30 female places) event management, sports clothing and merchandising or was first offered in 2009 and is expected to produce its first sports finance. Qatar’s more successful athletes also enjoy 60 graduates in 2013. Two-thirds of the programme is taught a pension scheme. in English and the remainder in Arabic. This programme will allow athletes and aspiring sports administrators to add value to the sports sector in Qatar at the professional level.

Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Qataris The Qatar Olympic Committee in cooperation with the Research is integral to the improvement and well-being of International Olympic Committee has awarded five young athletes. ASPIRE focuses on developing adolescent men’s scholarships to senior professionals in Qatar’s sports sector sporting performance through an integrated approach that uses to obtain an Executive Masters in Sports Organizations sports science, sports medicine and education (box 4.7). Management from the University of Poitiers. The one-year programme is similar to an MBA and is spread over four The Qatar Olympic Committee’s Strategic Plan 2008–2012 residential modules emanating from and culminating in aims to increase opportunities for talented athletes through Lausanne, Switzerland–the Olympic capital. Qatari scholars the education, participation and competition of Qatari boys in this programme can use work time to attend lectures and and girls, supporting them in realizing their sporting dreams. carry out assignments, and all fees are covered. Ultimately, the depth of talent can be expanded only if more children and adults compete in the amateur sports The Qatar Olympic Committee’s Qatar Olympic Academy federations that feed into professional-level performance. offers diplomas in advanced management of sports Given the few sporting organizations in Qatar, policy on institutions in cooperation with Olympic Solidarity at the establishing clubs and leagues needs to be reviewed to the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne. The encourage wider participation at amateur levels. Proactive programme aims to train and upgrade administrative skills government intervention in establishing more leagues and of sports managers to global standards. allowing more school facilities to be open to weekend leagues could add depth to Qatar’s pool of sporting talent and may Developing talent for the future help address the serious childhood obesity problems. Given Qatar’s small population, consistently producing talented young athletes to represent the country at the international level will be challenging. Naturalization of non-national born athletes is a contentious but global issue confronting the international sports movement, and one that has considerable significance for the local sports sector.

Box 4.7 ASPIRE sports science research to improve youth sports development and well-being

Between 2007 and 2011, Qatar’s ASPIRE Academy for • Studied training loads and their impact on growth- Sports Excellence has: related diseases in adolescent athletes. • Profiled and monitored young athletes at the ASSPIRE • Initiated studies on nutritional strategies for health and Academy to understand Qatari youth sporting performance. development. • Developed and used technology to monitor the ASPIRE also works in close partnership with the Supreme technical and tactical profiles of athletes as they Education Council to track children’s growth and development develop. patterns and to profile school students to identify potentially • Initiated research on athlete development profiles talented athletes. ASPIRE’s research can provide benefits for boys in the region, focusing on formulas such as not just to the development of youth athletes but to the health peak height velocity, the time at which an individual and well-being of all Qatari youth. is growing at their fastest, benchmarked against Gulf Cooperation Council and European populations. Source: Adapted from ASPIRE (2011).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Conclusion

Substantial investments in healthcare, including successful awareness campaigns and laws. The new comprehensive vaccination campaigns, have reduced childhood mortality rates road safety strategy being prepared as part of the National and the levels of most communicable diseases in Qatar. Young Development Strategy 2011–2016 must have the driving people now have a good start to life, as a healthy birth, infancy behaviour of youth as a central focus. and childhood provide the foundation for physical and mental well-being in maturity. Interventions targeted at young people Sport and physical activity are integral features of healthy before they acquire unhealthy habits and lifestyles, will greatly lifestyles. Providing health education linked to sports improve their chances of wellness later in life. development can change youth behaviour and encourage a healthy way of life. Particular focus should be given to Unhealthy lifestyles and risky behaviours are the key encouraging young women, often constrained by social and determinants of ill-health. As in most affluent societies, cultural influences, to participate in a more healthy and overweight and obesity, caused by excessive eating and active lifestyles. insufficient physical exercise, are highly prevalent amongst young Qataris. Studies of secondary school Qatari students The National Development Strategy 2011–2016, which indicate alarming levels of overweight and obesity, incorporates the National Health Strategy indentifies that particularly among older secondary school children, the key healthcare need is to change behavioural patterns of up to 70% and 45% respectively. Unhealthy eating and through a strong preventive approach and a robust primary exercise habits ingrained early in life can lead to chronic care system. It emphasizes how cross-sectoral links, especially non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, between education and sports are crucial for achieving a diabetes and cancers in later life. Use of tobacco products is healthy population. Establishing healthy behaviours during another key driver of chronic non-communicable diseases; childhood and youth is easier and more effective than trying one in five Qatari secondary students reported current use to change unhealthy behaviours during adulthood and will of tobacco products. contribute to achieving higher human development.

Qatar’s high rates of death and disability from road traffic The Qatar School Olympic Programme initiated by Qatar Olympic accidents especially among young men, have become a Committee in partnership with the Supreme Education Council silent epidemic. Risk-taking and reckless driving behaviour is an excellent example of how young people can be drawn into by young men have not been deterred by past safety and sports and thereby to healthy lifestyles.

Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Qataris

Empowering Young People and Promoting their Civic Participation Empowering Young People and Promoting their Civic Participation

Among the development goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, two human development outcomes relate to participatory development of youth: fostering a strong sense of belonging and citizenship, while empowering youth to shape their tomorrow by enhancing their participation; and creating a people-centred strategy in the expertise, ideas, needs and dreams of Qatari society.

National Development Strategy 2011

Youth is a period when young people begin searching for implementing programmes, consistent with the United a stable identity. The greater freedoms and wider choices Nations World Programme of Action for Youth (box 5.1). provided by Qatar’s economic and social progress have They should be regarded not only as targeted beneficiaries changed the values and culture of youth. A key challenge but also as active agents in their own development and that for young Qataris, and youth more generally, is reconciling of their communities and societies. traditional and modern values and norms. While families and peer groups are important in shaping youth identity, Young people need services, support and training, but they social organizations provide spaces for young people to also need opportunities to contribute. The best preparation develop a sense of belonging. An enabling environment for self-reliance and leadership tomorrow is participation should be created to provide youth with opportunities today. Participation should not be seen as contributing only to be seen and heard as active citizens in their own to one’s own development. Young people can and do play communities and societies. critical roles as agents of change in their families, peer groups and communities (box 5.2). Despite rapid economic and social gains as well as political change, Qatar has largely maintained its cultural and As much as possible, youth should be given full responsibility traditional values, with the family playing a central role in for their undertakings and the fruits of their success or failure Qatari life. Families will remain the main influence during in solving collective problems. Such ownership includes an the transition from childhood to adulthood, but young essential measure of decision-making authority and can Qatari men and women should also be fully engaged with assume a range of forms, from planning and advising roles the broader community and participate in processes that to implementation and advocacy. Youth need to be recruited allow them to express their needs and aspirations to decision- and assured of authentic roles, avoiding the ever-present risk makers. of adult-directed activities with youth invited. Mutual trust sparks an interdependent relationship between involved Participation means working with people, not working parties and fosters a climate in which youth and adults are for them. Youth should be encouraged to become full able to act with confidence, honesty and openness. partners, and even leaders, in designing, formulating and Integrating youth in the development process: the United Nations Programme of Action Box 5.1 for Youth

Objectives in the field of youth development • Adopt a national strategic vision for youth based on • Mobilize the efforts of decision-makers to adopt citizenship, rights and duties, and on the human being a strategy aimed at integrating youth into the as the centre and goal of development. development process. • Establish a national body for coordinating among • Create a a national list of indicators that measure progress ministries and various actors dealing with youth issues, in implementing the Programme of Action for Youth. including nongovernmental youth organizations, and • Build a national database on youth that is accurate, identify the functions of those actors, enhance their powers reliable, timely, detailed and comparable across and establish cooperation frameworks among them. regions and over time. • Use standard indicators with specific targets and • Develop a regional resource manual on how to timeframes to devise a national agenda for youth formulate and monitor the implementation of national development and provide better opportunities to youth policies. assess progress made in implementating national youth policies. Recommendations to renew the commitment of Arab • Participate, within available resources and possibilities, countries to: in supporting and funding the regional project on • Integrate youth issues into development planning. strengthening national capacities to formulate youth • Accelerate the implementation of the World policies Programme of Action for Youth. • Establish youth parliaments and enhance their legislative • Develop capacity-building programmes and create powers and capacities in order to encourage youth national and regional mechanisms aimed at improving participation in public life and political decision-making. the quality of life of this group of the population. Source: UN-ESCWA (2010). Recommendations to United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia member countries: • Use contemporary scientific methodology to address youth as a sociodemographic group facing specific challenges.

Box 5.2 Isolating young people discourages their participation

Isolating young people from adults through negative is self-reinforcing–isolation and low expectations feed off attitudes, role stratification and overemphasis or denial each other–with the consequence that pathways for youth of age differences translates into low expectations for young civic engagement remain limited and underdeveloped. people. Low expectations in turn discourage the creation of pathways for young people’s civic engagement and Source: Adapted from Camino and Zeldin (2002). involvement as partners in building civil society. The cycle

Empowering Young People and Promoting their Civic Participation Youth civic engagement is a collective concept involving These limited opportunities for engagement are being others. The meaning of participation, as well as its challenged. Youth are increasingly questioning accepted consequences depend not only on the motivation and skills stereotypes, societal norms, policies and practices that of the young people involved, but also on the context in assume they are unable or unwilling to participate in a full which it occurs – it is rarely youth working entirely alone. spectrum of civic activities. Increasingly, new practices and Civic engagement is accomplished through youth-adult policies suggest that youth can be active contributors to the partnership – sometimes with a young person and an adult common good but that empowerment works best when working together one-on-one, sometimes with a few young adults serve as allies or partners and youth gain the support people working with a group of adults and sometimes with and institutional power they need to help them achieve a few adults and a group of young people. Youth want and individual and collective goals. expect adult guidance, support and expertise but within a context of mutual trust and respect. Qatar’s investment in youth

Pathways for youth civic engagement are often transient Youth are an asset to their communities. Given the and difficult to sustain in the context of staff turnover, opportunities, they can be active contributors towards youth burnout and the tendency of well meaning adults community and national development. But to realise this to take control when plans do not work out as intended potential of youth, it is necessary to establish appropriate or group cohesion is poor. In societies where social norms mechanisms and pathways for their participation. do not encourage adult involvement and consultation with nonfamilial young people, it is imperative to enact policies The rationale of investment and build structures to support youth civic engagement. Investing in youth citizenship affects patterns of participation, Such policies and structures provide the scaffolding that development priorities and thus development outcomes articulates the vision, expectations and support for the as young people age. But young people are important not pathways to inclusive participation (Camino and Zeldin 2002). merely because they are future adults; they can define and achieve positive change today (box 5.3). The political, moral Broad areas for engagement in civil society have been and even stylistic choices of youth help society see what is identified, including individual, community, government, culturally important and achieve what is politically possible. business and voluntary endeavours–social spaces in which The emergence of youth permits a society to achieve fresh citizens engage as participants rather than as complainers, contact with its cultural and social possibilities, and this fresh victims or accomplices. Although these pathways do not contact facilitates re-evaluations of policies and practices and exclude youth, on the whole they offer only minimal encourages people to discard whatever is no longer useful opportunities for young people to act affirmatively as part and to value the new, the innovative and the challenging. of civil society.

Box 5.3 Young people are an integral part of the development process

There is wide recognition of the need to make the It is crucial to engage young people in the development needs and experiences of youth an integral part of the of their country today because they will be the decision- development process in social, political and economic makers of tomorrow. areas. Young people are a valuable asset to their societies, and investing in them brings significant benefits. Source: Al Matawi (2011b).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Globally, there is a growing momentum in youth participation empower Qatari youth so that they can influence core policy and engagement in development. To realize this potential, decision-making in an ongoing participation process within governments worldwide are supporting ministries and the context of local cultural values and traditional practices. organizations that target youth, developing programmes and policies that promote their participation in development School-based service learning maximizes individual learning and allocating budgets for youth development. Qatar is no while addressing community needs. Schools offer educational exception, having established government departments, experiences that integrate community service, classroom formulated specific policies and implemented directed knowledge and critical reflection to promote understanding programmes all related to youth (box 5.4). The objective is to and skills among students (box 5.5). This provides a vehicle

Box 5.4 Background on Qatar’s focus on youth

Qatar has paid special attention to youth since 1972, The administrations are responsible for a wide range when the Youth Care Department (renamed the Supreme of associations and organizations including cultural, Council of Youth in 1979) was founded. To support Qatar’s scientific and social clubs, a volunteer centre and various emphasis on sports, Emiri decree No. 90, established the youth societies working to sponsor and upgrade young General Authority for Youth and Sports in 1990, people’s talents and aptitudes. They also delegate (renamed the Youth General Authority and merged with young men and women to youth events abroad. The the Qatar Olympic Committee in 2000). The responsibility administrations provide the requisite administrative and of youth welfare was designated to two administrations– material support for these establishments. In 2010 more Youth Centres Administration and Administration of Youth than 150 activities were held, including activities Activities and Events–under the Ministry of Culture, Arts for gifted youth, youth with special needs, delinquent and Heritage. youth and potential youth leaders.

The ministry plays an important regional and Based on Qatar Statistics Authority data, young people international role, representing the country at annual ages 13–25 accounted for some 38% of participants in ministerial meetings of the Gulf Cooperation Council nonsports activities in 2010, but youth participation has and the League of Arab States as well as at technical declined–from 2,308 in 2007 to 1,476 in 2009. committees on youth such as the United Nations Economic and Social Commission’s Expert Group Meeting Source: MCAH (2011); QOC (2011a); QSA (2009b). on Integrating Youth in the Development Process 2009.

Box 5.5 Developing youth leadership and expanding social participation

Developing leadership begins at school, where teachers and volunteer work could be linked to university credit can help to instil confidence. Leadership does not equate to encourage youth participation. There is a need to raise only to good academic results; other characteristics awareness with parents to support greater understanding include initiative, good communication skills and of the value of volunteerism and soft skills. self-confidence. Programmes should be established to enhance these characteristics. Co-curriculur activities Source: General Secreatariat for Development Planning and Qatar such as model United Nations, AIESEC, Reach Out to Asia University focus group (2011).

Empowering Young People and Promoting their Civic Participation Table 5.1 Growth in Internet use among Qatari youth has been spectacular

Men Women Total 2004 2010 Change 2004 2010 Change 2004 2010 Change Age group % % Percentage points % % Percentage points % % Percentage points 4–14 18 61 43 17 60 43 17 60 43 15–24 63 90 28 64 89 25 63 90 26 25 and older 53 76 23 40 63 23 46 69 23 4 and older 43 74 31 38 68 30 41 71 30

Source: QSA (2005 and 2011a). for positive youth development and education for citizen Youth and business training action and acts as a catalyst for social change. Young people The Social Development Centre was founded in 1996 as a are constantly challenged to strengthen their decision-making member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Sciences and collective problem-solving abilities and to carry these and Social Development. It offers youth capacity-building skills forward into the community when they graduate. programmes, including Start and Improve your Business, which targets young men and women and offers three major Internet use among Qatari youth has grown spectacularly, courses: Get Your Business Idea, which assists youth wishing with 90% of youth regularly connecting to the Internet in to start their own business in exploring, analysing and 2010, compared with 63% in 2004 (table 5.1). Internet use considering different investment opportunities; Start Your is also growing even more spectacularly among Qataris Business, which trains youth with defined business ideas that under age 15. This new media has empowered youth are ready to implement to conduct an economic feasibility and given them a collective voice that can be harnessed study of their project; and Improve Your Business, which in support of development. provides youth who already have small business enterprises, with training on the way to improve these enterprises Outstanding initiatives (UN ESCWA 2010).

Youth enterprise and private sector partnerships Youth and leadership Intilaaqah Qatar was established in 2006 in partnership with Qatar Leadership Academy invests in youth to enable them Qatar Shell, the College of North Atlantic-Qatar, HSBC (Middle to become future leaders. Founded in 2005 to prepare East), Qatar Microsoft, Salam International and the Social youth ages 11 and older to become future leaders in Development Centre. The programme aims to promote youth business entrepreneurship and politics, it engages youth enterprise and entrepreneurial skills development in line in an environment that promotes excellence in academic with Qatar National Vision 2030. Intilaaqah is an initiative endeavour, leadership, athletics and character through two of Shell’s Social Investment in Qatar and has been modelled phases: a medium level in which students are taught English, on the Shell LiveWIRE social entrepreneurship programme Arabic and French, humanities, information technology, running in 26 countries worldwide. Intilaaqah’s objectives sciences, mathematics and Islamic and cultural studies; are to stimulate and encourage Qatari youth to consider and a secondary level in which students are offered the starting a business and to assist those who aspire to International Baccalaureate curriculum (UN ESCWA 2010). do so by providing them with training and counselling.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Expanding regional and entrepreneurial opportunities Reach Out to Asia held its first annual youth conference on Silatech aims to address the ever-growing need to create personal leadership, service learning and global citizenship in jobs and economic opportunities for youth by promoting 2009, which aimed at creating a platform for young people in large-scale job creation, entrepreneurship, and access to capital Qatar to be empowered and equipped for leadership and to and markets for young people, starting first in Arab countries, express a concerted voice in addressing local and global issues where the highest rate of youth unemployment exists. It is within a practical learning context. Following the conference, committed to mobilizing interest, investment, knowledge, the organization committed to establishing a network of resources and action to drive large-scale comprehensive youth service clubs in schools and universities to provide a employment and enterprise development programmes. service learning framework that enables young people to actively identify and lead initiatives that address social needs As a knowledge consortium, Silatech and its partners focus within their communities. on directly contributing to youth employment in Arab countries by conducting original research, analysing With more than 60,000 members in 110 countries, AIESEC information and trends, evaluating programme impact is the world’s largest student-run organization to allow and providing thought leadership at the country and young people to be global citizens and to gain relevant skills regional levels. It also explores the effectiveness of different and experience. AIESEC brings its international experience approaches to supporting young people, with particular to youth in Qatar by offering cultural internships and emphasis on the growth and replication of successful professional international exchanges, having sponsored 10 initiatives. Silatech develops comprehensive strategies and students in overseas internships and placed 15 international modalities for their implementation and hosts a range of students in Qatar to learn professional skills, to be exposed to opportunities for scholars and practitioners to cross-fertilize local culture and gain a positive perspective about Qatar and ideas and experiences, such as workshops and conferences the region; and a leadership development programme that and communities of practice. places students in leadership positions where they learn how to work productively in a team and gain skills to be active Reach Out to Asia was established in 2005 as a local citizens and receive the real-life experience of being a leader Qatari charity with regional and international outreach and how leadership can impact society. programmes. It operates under the auspices of Qatar Foundation and focuses on developing education through Youth and open debating research and on extending community welfare. Its mission QatarDebate, established in 2007 by Qatar Foundation, is to provide assistance to countries in Asia facing develops and supports formal public debate in Arabic and development challenges through volunteerism and English among students and young people in Qatar and the partnerships with the public and private sectors in Qatar. region. It aims to promote free speech and open discussion. In 2009 the organization was granted special consultative Geared towards secondary schools and universities, status in the United Nations Economic and Social Council. QatarDebate has involved students from many schools in It operates in nine countries engaging youth; providing workshops, annual debate leagues and national competition equal access to safe, quality, primary and secondary (www.qatardebate.org). education; connecting communities and educators; increasing social and economic opportunities; advocating Al Jazeera, through its Centre for Studies, Media Training for the universal right to education and reaching out to assist and Development Centre and New Media Department, is in rebuilding communities after human-caused and natural encouraging youth to get involved in regional political and disasters (ROTA 2007). social dialogue. It targets young people ages 18 and older and aims to have a presence and be part of the conversation across social media platforms, forums and conferences, where Arab youth from different political and intellectual affiliations can contribute to building a better future (box 5.6).

Empowering Young People and Promoting their Civic Participation Box 5.6 Al Jazeera is expanding opportunities for youth to participate in political and social dialogue

In May 2011 Al Jazeera held a forum in Doha on youth and ethical rules. Moreover, all users–and especially and change in the Arab World. More than 80 young young people–find it difficult to assess the credibility and men and women from 18 Arab countries participated, reliability of many websites. Recommendations from the including youth representatives who had played key roles forum included: in the reform efforts of the Arab Spring. The participants • Studying the relationship between traditional and new discussed change in Arab countries in the light of the media systems. wave of revolutions and popular protests. Arab youth had • Developing mechanisms that verify the credibility an opportunity to meet, exchange experiences, increase of new media to avoid fraud materials and provide understanding and integration, cooperate and conduct balanced coverage of events. open discussions with regional and international experts. • Training youth leaders to use new media technology. • Preparing youth leaders with good communication Key discussion points included the challenges of active skills so that they can address local and international participation of Arab youth and the use of new media in media. political and social reforms. New media such as Facebook, • Protecting those using and working with new Twitter and YouTube are low-cost, real-time tools for technologies and social media from political repression open information exchange and allow youth to share and ensuring their safety and security. their views and opinions widely. While these platforms have virtually no content controls and can encompass all Source: Adapted from Al Jazeera (2011). ideological trends, they should be subject to professional

Technology and social platforms increasingly play a growing Addressing Qatar’s challenges role in how young people converse and debate. Enabling environments, such as the Dialogue Cafe in Doha, are Qatar must address its institutional challenges to increase important tools for empowering youth and providing a hub participation among young people. While there is no shortage for exchanging ideas. Based on the concept that people and of financial resources, considerable efforts are required to cultures around the world, especially youth, have a lot in get youth more involved in decision-making processes and common, Dialogue Cafe provides a vibrant venue for youth positions (box 5.7). More nongovernmental organizations for to brainstorm ideas with academics, intellectuals, politicians, youth development and engagement–and different types journalists and civil society actors from around the world. of youth groups including more inclusive professional and As a partner of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, student associations–need to be established. Dialogue Cafe promotes cross-cultural communication and exchange using real-time video-conferencing technology.

Box 5.7 Creating conditions for youth to overcome the burden of development

Young peoples’s inability to contribute to their and lack of an integrated strategic vision aimed at communities’ development can be explained not only creating adequate conditions to absorb this group in both by their lack of self-capacity to attend to the burdens quantity and quality. of development, but also by lack of opportunity to participate in economic, social and political development Source: UN ESCWA 2009b.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Box 5.8 Role of government in supporting civil society and social institutions

The government’s role in supporting civil society and for self-expression. Some youth also feel that they lack social institutions and whether decision-makers believe a forum to raise issues. They suggested that the government that youth really have enough knowledge and experience provides a mechanism, forum or framework for formal to influence policy were debated at a focus group consultation, feedback and a vote from youth on various discussion with young people, civil society, government issues or include youth representatives on committees, agencies and the private sector at Qatar University. such as for national development. However, there is a question of how to prepare young people to be able to The group felt too many constraints prevent Qatar from contribute and participate effectively in these committees. establishing independent nongovernmental organizations or youth organizations such as AIESEC. Thus, many young Source: Adapted from General Secretariat of Development Planning and people with ideas and aspirations have insufficient outlets Qatar University focus group (2011).

Despite explicitly accepting the rationale for linking • Establishing partnerships – shifting from a focus on youth community and youth development, government is still at problems to an understanding of youth as partners in an early stage in putting it into practice. Opportunities to development. build on the growing interest in youth among community • Offering second chances – providing a safety net for youth development organizations exist but it remains unclear how to recover from outcomes of bad decisions made earlier. readily this interest in youth will translate into a commitment • Adopting best practice models – finding methods of youth to action. Special, separate provisions for young people–which participation that move society forward but are compatible they may request or consider desirable, but some would view with the local cultural and social context. as marginalizing youth–may seem in conflict with involving • Affecting outcomes – ensuring that contributions from youth young people in mainstream, real-world economic, social and are actually incorporated in policies and decision-making. political issues, but this is not a justification for inaction. Youth are no longer constrained by previous limitations. Qatari youth cannot vote until age 18, but young people Their widespread enthusiastic adoption of social media for have been encouraged to express opinions and act sharing ideas and influencing opinion has had broad, major independently at much younger ages. Opportunities for and immediate impact, creating a dynamism that needs to be community service are actively promoted through schools harnessed for the benefit of the whole society. and community organizations, and youth participate despite having limited decision-making power. Few institutional United Nations Economic and Social Commission for mechanisms or societal norms that encourage young Qataris’ Western Asia member countries have become aware, though involvement in community governance or support them as unevenly, of how important it is to address youth issues with societal entrepreneurs or activists. Although the 2004 Qatari specific policies. However, several obstacles impede their Law of Associations and Private Institutions supports the capacity to formulate appropriate national youth policies. establishment of associations and private institutions by Such obstacles may be structural (insufficient knowledge of Qatari youth, the legislation should be reviewed to modern approaches to youth issues and of the priorities of determine potential constraints in doing so. the World Programme of Action for Youth), institutional (lack of an effective coordinating institution) or circumstantial (war, The challenges inherent in implementing relevant policies civil unrest, lack of stability and security). The commission and plans and being assured of their practical value and can help enhance countries’ capacity to formulate a national efficacy (box 5.9) include: youth policy, follow up on implementation and evaluate it. • Generating publicity – creating information and messages that elicit public support for positive youth participation and publicizing them.

Empowering Young People and Promoting their Civic Participation Box 5.9 How effective are youth policies in setting a strategic programme?

The policy vision at the country level–often articulated department of youth, with few links to other youth- through national youth policy–is usually narrow in serving ministries, such as education, health or labour. scope. In 2001, 82% of all countries had a national youth Even broad policies may not be very strategic, reading policy, 89% had a designated national youth coordination more like a laundry list of desirable policies than a mechanism and 60% were implementing a national programme of action. youth programme of action. But 70% of national youth policies focused on the narrow range of concerns of the Source: Adapted from World Bank (2006).

What still needs to be done?

Greater efforts should be made to increase the involvement leveraging and mobilizing community resources (Camino and of youth in formulating national youth policies, evaluating the Zeldin 2002). The aim is to ensure a balance between individual extent and effectiveness of their participation and ensuring a rights and responsibilities to the collective good. more coordinated approach to youth development. For this to happen there must be genuine support and partnerships with Governments and communities work better in places where government, business and civil society. social and interorganizational networks allow for collective decision-making, disperse decision-making broadly and offer Participation in civic life promotes shared growth multiple pathways for civic management. It is thus ironic and partnership that, whereas engagement is both a right and responsibility Inclusive participation is a primary element of civil society. of citizenship and inclusivity benefits the individual and the The essence of inclusive participation is that all citizens have collective, pathways for civic engagement remain extremely legitimate opportunity to influence decisions on identifying, limited for youth in Qatar and other Arab countries (box 5.10).

Box 5.10 Institutional setup for youth participation in civil life

Arab countries lack an institutional framework for youth Current avenues for participation are insufficient, and participation that allows access to adequate and appropriate many young Arab people are thus perceived as apathetic programmes and services by all young people, regardless or disengaged. Effective strategies for youth participation of sex, geographic location, social, cultural and economic must move away from ad hoc activity-based approaches circumstances. In fact, discrepancies in participation among to inclusion in core aspects of social structures, youth are large, and many young people do not recognize institutions and processes. the importance of active citizenship. Source: UN (2007).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Infusing youth in organizational decision-making promotes Involving youth in public policy consultation intergenerational communication. Community-based youth Consulting youth on public policy allows young people to organizations can create new pathways for civic engagement advise public leaders and policy governance bodies, so that by fully involving young people in decision-making. Such no public policy deliberation or action, particularly one organizations need to ensure the meaningful involvement focused on youth issues, is taken without reference to the of young people in all aspects of their structures and perspective of youth. Such a process would encourage new programmes and orient their activities to create strong, institutionalised pathways for youth civic engagement to be caring, mutually respectful relationships between young gradually created through government agencies. Funding people and adults. Where this can be achieved, young people and programme priorities would then increasingly reflect have strong potential to exert positive effects on the adults the importance of youth involvement in community affairs. and related organizations with whom they are collaborating. The UN World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year Opportunities for political participation 2000 and Beyond stipulates that “The capacity for progress encourage active citizenship in our societies is based, among other elements, on their It is no accident that a new generation of young leaders has capacity to incorporate the contributions and responsibility been involved in the transition to democracy and economic of youth in building and designing the future, and this is openness in Latin American countries, the political reforms conditioned by enabling the economic, social and political in Eastern and Central Europe and the adoption of new participation of youth as a matter of critical importance.” Such information technology everywhere. Similarly, across Arab participation is limited in Arab countries (box 5.11). A United countries the voices and movements for change have been led Nations Development Programme report on Arab youth and by youth. Less embedded in older patronage and exchange the Millennium Development Goals found that Arab youth networks than adults are, these young leaders are positioned are excluded from participation in legislatures or parliaments, to exploit new political, social and economic conditions. which have no members in the 15–24 age group (UNDP 2007).

It also makes sense that young people everywhere are more Several Arab countries encourage youth participation receptive to emerging values and world views, such as in public life. In Oman, the energy of young people is environmentalism and the adoption of green technologies. channelled through volunteer work that complements Historically, young people have been crucial participants in government activities and supports agencies that provide China’s anti-imperialist and democratic movement that began direct services to communities. The government pays young in Beijing on May 4, 1919, the 1942 Quit India movement, men and women to encourage them, particularly job-seekers, the pro-democracy movement in South Africa following the to invest their leisure time in useful activities that benefit Soweto uprising in 1976 and the Otpor youth movement in themselves and their communities. the former Yugoslavia between 1998 and 2000 (World Bank 2006).

Box 5.11 Limited participatory involvement of Arab youth in legislatures

Arab parliaments do not have separate committees for and skills. Furthermore, older people control the process youth issues; instead, these are dealt with by committees and mechanisms of youth participation in those societies. on sports, culture or family affairs as part of their wider Qatari youth are aware of the importance of participation scope of work. Some studies on the involvement of Arab and its relevance to them and their communities. youth in civil society have found that although young However, they are averse to political participation because people are employed for special tasks, their participation they lack confidence in its procedures, results and the in boards of directors is limited and often based on winners, who may only serve their own personal interests. appointment and selection, and they participate in activities that are not commensurate with their experience Source: UN-ESCWA (2009a).

Empowering Young People and Promoting their Civic Participation Box 5.12 Opportunities for youth to play a greater role in national development

In supporting the National Development Strategy No academic credit was granted for participating in the 2011–2016 targets to reduce domestic violence, to review project. The student has since graduated and has been and adopt legislation to criminalize domestic violence offered a scholarship to pursue her LLM (post-graduate and to create follow-up policies (in coordination with law) degree at the University of California–Berkeley, after law enforcement) to protect victims, the American Bar which she will return to Qatar University law faculty in Association’s Rule of Law Initiative launched a domestic 2013 to teach a new generation of law students. violence civic education programme in Qatar in March 2011 that offers “street law classes”. Qatar University law The Rule of Law Initiative hopes to further engage Qatar students design and conduct English and Arabic courses University law students in civic reform and has submitted that educate Qataris outside the legal profession about a proposal to establish a clinic course, where students domestic violence and the existing legislative tools that discuss the implications of domestic violence, study empower victims. This is consistent with the National existing legislation, draft a new law against domestic Development Strategy 2011–2016 target. violence and advocate for its adoption. Through this initiative, Qatari law students will have a meaningful role The idea for the domestic violence project came from in preventing violence against women and children. a law student at Qatar University who encouraged 15 colleagues to volunteer their time to work on the project. Source: Adapted from discussions with Marlana Valdez, Program Director, Rule of Law Initiative Qatar (2011).

In Qatar currently, opportunities for civic participation are fairly of interest in the municipal administration, as there is a limited. Youth have greater opportunities for participating perception that the municipal councils do not make decisions and exhibiting leadership in the economy and labour force, on matters of national significance. and increasingly in relation to the implementation of National Development Strategy 2011-2016 (box 5.12) Confirming identity and a sense of belonging Because community coalitions operate at a more immediate Qatari youth’s participation in the political life began level than policy consultation, they can provide an effective with the enactment of Law 12 of 1998 which organizes forum for citizen representation and voice and demonstrate the Central Municipal Council elections and gave young the benefits of participatory democracy. At their best, people the right to vote for a constituency representative. community coalitions can move on whatever youth issues are The 29 elected constituency representatives bring issues at the centre of the community’s interest. Because coalitions to the attention of the appropriate municipality body involve diverse institutions and interests and can engage in or ministry responsible. Qatar University, under the Doha cross-sector networking and resource sharing, they hold great Youth and Consultation programme, launched initiatives potential to transform communities. In particular, they can and training courses designed to raise awareness among build community capacity for positive youth development young men and women of the importance of participation and create and strengthen alternative pathways for youth in political life, to strengthen their capabilities and to support civic engagement. the efforts of women to stand for election. Activating youth participation in voluntary activities is an The number of young Qataris voting in the Central Municipal established means of involving youth. The goal is to transfer Council election has decreased since 1999 despite the Ministry volunteerism from a simple social and professional experience of Interior’s awareness campaigns encouraging Qatari youth to a significant institutional initiative. A wide range of training and citizens to participate (figure 5.1). This may reflect lack opportunities and hands-on activities is available to equip youth volunteers with the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to serve their community and culture as efficiently as possible.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Figure 5.1 Declining share of Qatari youth voters at municipal elections

(%) Males Females 35 32.1

30 s 25 ter

vo 20.4 20 18.0 outh Y 15 12.7 11.2 10.4 10 4.9 5.2 5

0 1999 2003 2007 2011

Source: Al Kuwari (2011).

Qatari youth participation in voluntary work (both male among men and 1.3% among women (figure 5.2). Programmes and female) has increased. In 2010 the proportion of young such as the Global Changemakers Time Bank are enhancing Qataris who participated in voluntary work increased to 1% awareness of volunteer work among youth in Qatar (box 5.13).

Figure 5.2 Qatari youth participation in voluntary work increasing

Males Females (%) 350 1.4 1.3 298 300 1.2 251 1.0 250 1.0

200 0.8

150 0.6 total population 94 0.4 100 0.4 70 0.3 Percent of youth volunteers Number of youth volunteers 55 48 0.2 0.2 50 0.2

0 0 2008 2009 2010 2008 2009 2010

Note: Participation rate computed from (2009a,2010d and 2011a). Source: Al Kuwari (2011).

Empowering Young People and Promoting their Civic Participation Box 5.13 Global Changemakers Time Bank: enhancing awareness of the importance of volunteer work

Global Changemakers is a British Council programme learn how to use time effectively and draw on skills and that exists in more than 80 countries. It supports a resources of their peers to contribute to their projects’ growing network of future social entrepreneurs and youth success. In addition, opportunities for participants to who are prepared to make a change. In Qatar, youth attend meetings conducted by high-profile organizations, members have agreed to establish a virtual time bank, such as the World Economic Forum and the United which is designed to increase the value of time and give Nations, ensure that the voices of youth are heard and it a financial meaning. Youth can make deposits of time that their leadership skills are developed and shaped by doing volunteer work, invest their time in initiatives by the experience. So far Global Changemakers have that they develop and donate their time, knowledge and conducted more than 50 workshops and events. skills to their peers who have innovative ideas. Youth who are motivated to use their time contributing to their The Global Changemakers initiative also encourages community obtain valuable experience and recognition institutions and organizations that work in collaboration certificates that help enhance their resumes. with the British Council to consider the potential of youth when developing their corporate social responsibility Through the time bank initiative and network, the British programmes. Council provides opportunities for youth in Qatar to build their capacity in various sectors, change perceptions, Source: British Council Qatar (2011).

Evaluating whether youth are participating Few evaluations of youth programmes unambiguously Evaluating the extent and effectiveness of Qatari youth identify the impact of specific policies, programmes or participation is problematic because there is limited data outcomes, giving youth policy the aura of being soft available beyond that presented on participation in voting and lacking in rigour. Many programmes that expand and volunteerism. Al-Matawi (2011a) notes that communities opportunities and build capabilities fall into the that actively engage in discourse with youth are more likely “promising but unproven” camp. They include most life- to gain positive responses from youth. Recent efforts to shift skills programmes and many others for promoting youth adult perceptions of youth from “problems” to “resources” citizenship, including student councils and service learning. and “partners” have been important. The Urban Strategies Almost no second chance programmes are rigorously Council recommends supporting organizations that bring evaluated. Even when evaluations exist, they may be on together youth and community, including those that provide narrow outcomes. youth development opportunities and in particular those that address community concerns. What can be done to ensure that youth policy is not destined for failure? To increase the chances of success, The Forum for Youth Investment concluded that successful policy-makers must articulate a coherent view of desired community and youth development efforts tend to foster outcomes for young people, integrating that view with youth awareness and responsibility towards communities, national planning and implementation mechanisms. increase youth leadership capacity and create more This improves accountability of outcomes. The capacity opportunities for social action. Other forums have to implement this strategy at all levels is required. emphasized youth participation in promoting social justice. Accountability is easier to assign if there is a well articulated Effectively engaging young people requires organizations to set of national objectives for youth, developed with key view them as competent citizens with rights to participate, ministries and stakeholders. express themselves and engage in efforts to create socially just communities.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Strengthening Youth Governance plans, governments pay more attention to active youth The United Nations General Assembly has long endorsed participation in all areas and ensure a sustained and policies and programmes for youth in national development. sufficient budget commitment for effectively implementing Governments should involve youth and youth organizations a national youth policy. Another lesson was the need to have in formulating national youth policies and ensure a more a realistic legal definition of youth. coordinated approach to meeting young people’s needs and aspirations. Many Qatari ministries and agencies, along with a few civil society groups already have programmes benefiting A 2005 report of a comparative analysis of national youth youth. But these programmes need to be strengthened policies by the International Council of National Youth Policy and coordinated under a single umbrella agency for youth (ICNYP) in 2005 found that only 30% of UN member countries affairs. Such an agency could coordinate the preparation and had cross-sectoral national youth policies and included active implementation of a National Youth Development Policy, youth participation in the process (ICNYP 2005). About a third including cross-sectoral youth development programmes. of the countries had adopted a national youth policy in the national parliament (box 5.14). The report also highlighted that Many one-off activities can obtain the views of youth. But the Arab Council of Ministers of Youth and Sports had given based on feedback from youth, a permanent youth forum more sustained attention to youth and sports than to youth for their voices is needed, with a mechanism for the outcomes policy issues. It concluded that due to political constraints and to be fed back to the government. This would give the Qatari lack of active civil society, many countries in the region faced youth a real voice in decision-making and planning. An umbrella problems developing and implementing effective cross-sectoral agency could function as an intermediary and advocate for national youth policies with youth participation in all phases. a youth forum, which could take the form of a facilitated e-discussion platform linked to the heart of government such The report recommended that in formulating, adopting, as the Emiri Diwan and the Council of Ministers. implementating and evaluating youth policies and action

Box 5.14 Youth governance: the Malaysian experience

Malaysia has had a long track record of effective youth Malaysia was one of the first countries to develop governance. The National Youth Development Policy of indicators and a methodology to evaluate the impact of Malaysia was formulated in 1985 and revised in 1997. It its national youth policy over 20 years. Doing so allowed serves as a framework for planning and implementing the country to track how well initiatives improve young youth programmes in the country. Youth development people’s economic, education and health status. is managed primarily by three major organizations: the National Youth Consultative Council, the Ministry of Youth The 2010 budget allocated RM 20 million for the Malaysia and Sports and the Malaysian Youth Council. Youth Fund to provide financial support for young people to undertake creative projects that nurture national The Seventh Malaysia Plan (1996–2000) represented unity. The fund reflects the government’s commitment a breakthrough for youth in Malaysia, with a chapter to empower young people. The scope and the projects on youth programmes and initiatives included in the should address three goals: to nurture unity in Malaysia, country’s national plan for the first time. The youth to have a multiplier effect on the general community, chapter and a budget increase for youth, from RM 1.05 and to be led by young people. billion to RM 2.74 billion, demonstrated the government’s commitment to youth development. Youth development Source: UN (2002); ICNYP (2005); Wikipedia (2011). programmes during the Seventh Plan period focused on skills training and developing a resilient youth community that could contribute positively towards nation building.

Empowering Young People and Promoting their Civic Participation Conclusion

Youth is a period when young men and women are seeking Developing positive attitudes, participatory skills and to establish their own independent identities. Qatar’s leadership should commence in school, where educational exceedingly rapid economic and social change and strong experiences can integrate soft skills, concepts of community cultural and traditional values pose particular challenges for service, classroom knowledge and critical reflection to young people in transition. The challenges are intensified promote understanding. Opportunities for broader youth by globalization, where information and ideas travel participation need to be created not only in the public sector, almost instantaneously, but where macro policy and legal but also in the private sector through partnerships that changes take much longer. Internet use among Qatari youth encourage market orientation, build leadership capacity has grown spectacularly with 9 out of 10 youth regularly and promote youth enterprise and entrepreneurship. connecting in 2010. Qatar needs a dedicated ministry or agency to cover and Young people need an enabling environment in which they mainstream youth affairs. This agency could coordinate a are encouraged to participate in their own and their country’s National Youth Development Policy, consistent with the development. Given the opportunity, youth can actively United Nations World Programme of Action for Youth and contribute to decision-making for the common good. Young aligned to Qatar’s National Development Strategy 2011–2016, people are an asset to their communities and pathways need and be responsible for implementation of youth development to be established to ensure their inclusion and participation programmes, including involving youth through all stages. in all aspects of development.

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Expanding the Capacities of Qatari Youth: Recommendations Expanding the Capacities of Qatari Youth: Recommendations

Five broad recommendations emerge from the previous Given Qatar’s rapid economic growth and increasing presence chapters’ analysis of the challenges and opportunities on the world stage, it is essential that young Qataris are confronting Qatari youth. They are discussed briefly below motivated to play key roles in all areas of economic and and linked in summary form to related National Development social development. They will need guidance in identifying Strategy 2011–2016 programmes and projects (table 6.1). opportunities for engagement and ongoing support in a successful and increasingly globalized economy. Youth will To support the broad recommendations below, a single require opportunities to participate in ongoing modernization, umbrella agency for youth affairs is proposed. Such an agency while recognizing traditional values and Qatari identity. could coordinate the preparation and implementation of a National Youth Development Policy, including cross-sectoral Broaden the incentives and opportunities for youth to youth development programmes. This would greatly help in sustain educational experience in advanced areas of expanding the capacities of Qatari youth and mainstreaming knowledge, skills and communication that will meet young people in development. the demands of the labour market and add value at the personal, community and national levels. Develop an integrated and comprehensive policy framework that ensures youth have pathways to Many Qatari youth believe that they can secure jobs and meaningful participatory roles in all facets of society. make a good living despite having low academic qualifications. Similarly, many parents fail to appreciate Youth is a period when young people are seeking to establish the benefits of a high-quality education when advising their own independent identities. Qatar’s exceedingly rapid their children. Increasingly, for both personal and economic economic, demographic and social change, and strong reasons, Qatar must ensure that youth are getting the best cultural and traditional values pose particular challenges possible training and continuing to advanced education for young people. Youth need an enabling environment in in order to meet the employment demands of the labour which they are encouraged to participate in their own and market and a knowledge-based economy. Some youth cannot their country's development. Young people are an asset to gain admission to universities or complete higher education their communities, and pathways need to be established requirements; alternative education options, such as adult to ensure young people’s inclusion and participation in all education, part-time education, distance learning and study aspects of development. Young people’s roles in decision- abroad, can open up pathways to job opportunities for them. making should be meaningful, and their contributions should be taken as seriously as those of others. Young people who have dropped out of school need second Qatari labour force participation in the private sector must chance pathways to resume study at an appropriate level and be promoted. The tradition of Qataris working in public upgrade their qualifications or skills. This would reduce waste of service is so entrenched that few youth seriously consider valuable human resources and increase the number of Qataris other options. Entrepreneurship could offer youth a viable in the labour force. In most cases the second chance will be alternative to wage employment in the public sector. in vocational education but should be facilitated according to individual needs and abilities. They must receive skills Review and reinforce policies that contribute to health and training that are in demand in the labour market, offer and well-being by promoting self-care and preventative accredited qualifications of acceptable standard to employers measures to reduce risk-taking behaviour and damaging and be undertaken with a realistic career outcome in mind. lifestyles among youth.

Informed career advice is required for school leavers entering Qatar aims to enable people's full potential by improving tertiary education or the labour force and for students their physical and mental wellness. For youth the greatest choosing courses at the early stage of secondary school. concerns relate to high risk-taking behaviour, especially This advice should emphasize the policies being implemented among men, and lifestyle choices. Deaths and injuries due to to raise recruitment standards in the public sector and road traffic and workplace accidents seriously affect not only gradually reduce disparities in employment conditions individuals, but also employment rates and the healthcare between the public and private sectors. system. Similarly, lifestyle choices relating to diet and physical fitness seriously affect the health of many Qataris. Strengthen measures to increase youth participation in an increasingly diversified labour market, including Both these concerns can be addressed by young people the reintegration of youth that are not participating making better decisions about their driving and lifestyles, to their full potential. which is why the National Development Strategy 2011–2016 sets in place a number of policies and projects that can have Many young Qataris, especially women, are unemployed, a positive impact on youth. representing a serious loss to the labour market. The increasing proportions, albeit small, entering the private Health education to change youth behaviour and to sector assist in the Qatarization of the labour force outside the encourage healthy lifestyles is a priority. Reducing lifestyle public service and support economic diversification. Better diseases, however, is not a challenge left to the health sector selection of programmes and subjects in school and university alone. Community attitudes and behaviour need to be would improve this situation even further and open up even changed to reduce child obesity, smoking and young male more employment options for youth. For various reasons adult risk-taking. Public awareness of the seriousness of the some youth have made unsatisfactory choices that hamper choices, of options for prevention and of healthy alternatives their progress and limit their job choices: second chances at needs to increase. Establishing healthy behaviours during further education and training in vocational programmes can childhood and youth is easier and more effective than trying greatly improve their opportunities. to change unhealthy behaviours during adulthood.

Given the small size of the Qatari population, the number Ensure that all national legislation and regulation create of young people entering the labour market each year will an enabling environment for effective participation remain limited, far less than required by a rapidly expanding by youth in development processes. economy. Unless present trends are reversed, the net increase in Qatari workers each year will be even lower, as older Qatari youth have limited opportunities to engage in Qataris, especially men, retire much earlier than in other activities that promote participatory development and active parts of the world. Able young Qatari entrants to the labour citizenship. Such opportunities develop the life skills and force will need to be placed into more strategic and understanding required to strengthen national and civic productive positions and provided with support and pride, to value justice and integrity and to develop a sense mentoring while they gain the practical experience of civic and personal responsibility. Acceptance of reasonable required to be fully effective in those position. legal and regulatory constraints also supports preventative practices that limit high-risk behaviour and promote self-care that ensures a healthy diet and physical and mental fitness.

Expanding the Capacities of Qatari Youth: Recommendations Youth need an enabling environment in which they are attitudes, participatory skills and leadership should be taught encouraged to participate in their own and their country's in school, where educational experiences can integrate development, including through volunteerism and innovative community service, classroom knowledge and critical use of new media. Active citizenship needs to be encouraged reflection to promote understanding. Sports at all levels and so that young people can be active contributors in decision- in many different forms provide an area in which youth can making. Pathways need to be established to ensure that participate and excel in both competition and administration. youth are included in all ongoing development. Positive

Table 6.1 Mainstreaming youth in National Development Strategy 2011–2016

Recommendations National Development Strategy 2011–2016 programmes and projects Develop an integrated and comprehensive • Strengthen marriage and family ties. policy framework that ensures youth have • Reduce incidence of divorce and its effect on the family. pathways to meaningful participatory roles • Develop a comprehensive domestic violence prevention in all facets of society. and protection system. • Promote rights and welfare of children. • Increase youth participation and appreciation for culture (Culture and Youth Project). Broaden the incentives and opportunities • Strengthen Qatari values through education and training. for youth to sustain educational experience • Extend educational opportunities to students who cannot in advanced areas of knowledge, skills and directly enter universities. communication that will meet the demands • Increase and improve sports talent, development, management of the labour market and add value at the and performance (Athlete Development Pathway Model). personal, community and national levels. • Increase high-quality artistic talent (Artist Development Project) Strengthen measures to increase youth • Improve work skills and awareness of the world of work at the preparatory participation in an increasingly diversified and secondary levels. labour market, including the reintegration • Align higher education specializations to the needs of the knowledge-based of youth that are not participating to their economy. full potential. • Develop differentiated technical education and vocational training programmes aligned to labour market needs. • Plan for industrial partnerships to further develop technical education and vocational training. • Incorporate technical education and vocational training into career guidance. • Promote diversified participation of Qataris in the labour force. • Provide Labour market employment services with career counselling and mentorship. • Develop an expanded job-seeking and matching database. Review and reinforce policies that contribute • Encourage proper nutrition and physical activity (Active Qatar Campaign). to health and well-being by promoting • Provide tobacco cessation programmes. self-care and preventative measures to • Support women’s and children’s health and additional public health services. reduce risk-taking behaviour and damaging • Develop and implement a safe system approach to road traffic safety. lifestyles among youth. • Increase community participation in sports and physical activity for a healthier population (National Sports Curriculum Guidelines Project). Ensure that all national legislation • Increase the number of women in leadership and political and regulation creates an enabling decision-making positions. environment for effective participation • Encourage and support change in public perceptions by youth in development processes. of women's roles. • Increase environmental awareness among the population (Environmental Awareness Campaigns).

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report Annex: Qatar’s Human Development Indicators, 1990-2010

1. Human Development Index and its Component Indices 1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Human Development Index (value) na 0.764 0.799 na na na 0.798 0.803 Life expectancy index na 0.740 0.834 0.838 0.841 na na 0.886 Education index na na na na na na na 0.614 GNI index na 0.870 0.938 1.000 1.000 na na 0.958

Note: na signifies data is not readily available Source: UNDP (2010) .

2. Components of the Human Development Index 1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Life expectancy 69.2 69.6 75.0 75.3 75.5 na na 76.0 at birth (years) Adult literacy rate 79.4 87.8 90.6 89.5 93.1 na na na (%, ages 15 and above) GDP per capita (PPP US$) 15,004 27,214 49,228 57,330 61,528 na na 79,426

Note: na signifies data is not readily available Source: UNDP (2010).

3. Demographic Trends

1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total population (millions) 0.4 0.6 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.7 Annual population growth rate (%) 3.2 4.6 13.5 15.1 16.3 16.7 12.3 3.6 Total fertility rate 5.7 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.4 4.4 4.2 4.3 (births per woman) Qatari 4. Commitment to Health: Resources, Access and Services

1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Public 2.40 1.31 2.28 1.83 1.81 1.5 2.1 1.6 Health (% of GDP) expenditure Private 0.04 0.08 0.08 0.14 0.15 0.4 0.6 0.5 (% of GDP) Against 96 100 100 100 96 98 98 97 One-Year olds, tuberculosis (%) fully immunized Against 79 91 100 99 92 95 100 98 measles (%) Births attended by skilled health 99.5 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 personnel (%) Physicians (per 100,000 people) 170 191 248 238 228 245 282 320 Population with sustainable access 100 100 100 100 100 na na na to affordable essential drugs (%)

5. Water, Sanitation and Nutritional Status 1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Population with sustainable access 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 to improved sanitation (%) Population with sustainable access 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 to an improved water source (%) Percentage of families with access 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 to electric power Percentage of population with access 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 to primary healthcare facilities Children underweight for age (%) -- 10.4 6.0 12.6 12.6 na na na Infants with low birth weight (%) 7.9 8.8 8.5 8.8 8.3 8.1 7.2 7.6

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report 6. Leading Global Health Crises and Risks

1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Condom use at last high-risk sex (%), women na 48 48 20 48 na na na Malaria cases (per 100,000 people) 28.0 24.0 21.1 23.6 15.9 15.0 15.0 26.0 Per 100,000 people 25.0 20.3 20.3 21.7 20.3 na na na Detected under na 48.0 40.8 40.4 40.8 na na na Tuberculosis cases DOTS (%) Cured under na 7.30 11.6 13.7 11.6 na na na DOTS (%)

7. Survival: Progress and Setbacks

1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Life expectancy at birth (years) 69.2 69.6 75.0 75.3 75.5 na na 76.0 Infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births) 13.50 11.70 8.21 8.10 7.46 7.70 7.10 6.80 Under-five mortality rate (per 1,000 live births) 16.60 13.10 10.45 10.69 9.10 9.50 8.80 8.50 Maternal mortality ratio (per 100,000 live na 8.3 22.4 7.10 31.80 11.60 21.80 10.30 births)

8. Commitment to Education: Spending

1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Public As % of GDP 4.2 3.0 3.4 2.3 3.2 2.9 4.1 na expenditure As % of total government 10 9 13 8 11 12 13 na on education expenditure

9. Literacy and Enrolment 1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Adult literacy rate (% ages 15 and above) 79.4 87.8 90.6 89.5 93.1 94.0 94.7 96.3 96.4 Youth literacy rate (% ages 15-24) 96.5 98.0 98.9 92.0 99.0 95.7 97.8 96.8 97.9 Net primary enrolment ratio (%) 95.4 83.1 91.2 86.6 88.7 88.9 92.5 92.6 na Net secondary enrolment ratio (%) 77.3 78.8 81.7 79.9 81.6 86.8 87.1 76.9 na

10. Technology: Diffusion and Creation 1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Telephone main lines (per 1,000 people) 218 260 258 219 196 na na na Cellular subscribers (per 1,000 people) 0 194 900 883 1,002 1520 1200 1500

Annex 11. Economic Performance

1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 GDP US$ billion 7.4 17.8 44.5 60.9 79.7 115.3 97.8 127.3 GDP per capita USD$ '000 17.4 28.8 50.1 58.4 65.0 79.6 59.7 74.9 GDP per capita annual growth rate (%) 9.9 36.2 20.2 16.6 11.2 22.4 -25.4 22.5 Average annual change in consumer price index (%) 3.0 1.65 8.8 11.8 13.6 15.2 -4.9 -2.4

12. Structure of Trade 1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Imports of goods and services (% of GDP) 23.0 22.3 31.1 35.8 35.8 28.1 29.0 23.3 Exports of goods and services (% of GDP) 52.9 67.3 68.3 62.8 57.2 52.1 51.4 59.0 Primary exports (% of merchandise exports) 49.47 65.28 50.1 47.1 45.9 na na na Semi-manufactured exports (% of merchandise 0.79 23.34 38.8 44.3 46.2 na na na exports) Manufactured exports (% of merchandise exports) 10.74 4.74 11.1 8.6 7.9 na na na

13. Priorities in Public Spending 1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Public expenditure on education (% of GDP) 4.24 2.98 3.49 2.30 3.24 na na na Public expenditure on health (% of GDP) 2.45 1.39 2.36 1.97 1.96 1.90 2.70 2.10

14. Energy and the Environment 1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Electricity consumption per capita (kilowatt-hours) 12,082 14,944 16,316 14,383 14,201 na na na Ratio of the protected area to the total area 0.17 0.17 11.12 12.46 21.72 na 29.30 29.70

Qatar’s Third Human Development Report 15. Components of Gender-Related Development Index

1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Life expectancy Female na 71.3 75.8 76.1 76.8 na na na na at birth (years) Male na 68.7 74.6 74.9 74.8 na na na na

Adult literacy rate Female 73.0 84.2 87.5 87.8 90.4 92.7 92.9 95.4 95.6 (% age 15 and above) Male 85.7 91.3 93.6 93.7 93.8 94.3 95.1 96.5 96.6 Combined gross Female 80.3 84.1 86.8 85.7 82.3 80.3 79.2 79.3 na enrollment ratio for Male 65.4 77.2 76.6 72.4 56.0 48.5 44.9 45.0 na primary, secondary and tertiary level schools (%)

16. Components of Gender Empowerment Measure

1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Seats in parliament held by 0 0 3.4 3.4 3.4 na na na 3.4 women (% of total seats) Female legistaltors, senior officials 0.9 6.6 8.1 7.2 6.8 4.3 4.3 10.8 7.9 and managers (% of total) Female professionals and techinical 26.8 25.9 24.5 25.0 19.6 22.8 21.0 22.8 23.9 workers (% of total)

17. Gender Inequality in Education

1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Female rate (% ages 73.0 84.2 87.5 92.0 90.4 92.7 92.9 95.4 95.6 15 and above) Adult literacy Female rate as 85.2 92.2 93.5 103.4 96.4 98.3 97.7 98.9 99.0 % of male rate Female rate 95.0 97.3 98.4 98.9 98.7 96.7 97.9 99.5 98.7 (% ages 15-24) Youth literacy Female rate as 96.8 98.5 99.2 111.5 99.6 101.6 100.3 103.3 101.1 % of male rate Female ratio (%) 96.1 93.0 94.6 90.0 91.4 92.7 93.2 94.0 na Net primary enrolment Ratio of female 1.01 1.23 1.07 1.08 1.06 1.06 1.01 1.03 na to male Female ratio (%) 86.1 87.6 93.8 90.6 90.0 91.7 90.0 78.4 na Net secondary enrolment Ratio of female 1.23 1.23 1.30 1.27 1.20 1.11 1.07 1.04 na to male Female ratio (%) 36.0 na 34.0 36.2 29.5 27.4 26.1 26.1 na Gross tertiary enrolment Ratio of female 3.6 na 3.7 4.4 4.4 4.8 5.4 5.4 na to male

Annex 18. Gender Inequality in Economic Activity

1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Rate (%) 27.5 35.2 40.6 45.4 49.3 50.4 49.1 52.2 52.1 Female economic activity rate (ages 15 and above) As % of 29.6 38.7 44.3 48.9 52.0 52.6 51.2 54.4 54.4 male rate Female 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.7 Agriculture Male 3.5 4.3 3.2 3.5 2.7 1.7 1.7 1.5 8.6 Female employment Female 1.5 1.9 3.1 6.9 4.8 3.9 6.1 3.8 2.5 Industry by economic Male 35.5 38.0 47.6 68.8 58.4 66.0 64.1 61.9 53.8 activity (%) Female 98.5 98.1 96.8 96.1 95.2 96.1 93.9 96.2 95.8 Services Male 61.0 57.7 49.2 48.7 39.0 32.3 34.2 36.5 37.5

Source of data: Based on Al Kuwari (2011) and QSA various years.

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Qatar’s Third Human Development Report